Vietnamese Braised Pork Belly recipe – Whole30 and Paleo approved

Wowsas! It’s already been two weeks into my Whole30 program and damn, I’m feeling pretty good! Don’t get me wrong, the initial few days weren’t fun…but that’s in the past now. Once I stopped focusing on the limitations (really of meats and vegetables are allowed) and thought of all the creative dishes I can make, things got fun, challenging and creative! I have started to explore making different food genres. It’s funny how limitations actually breeds creativity.

This weekend’s recipe was inspired by an Instagram post from a childhood friend, it’s a Vietnamese braised pork belly stew-like dish called Thit Kho Trung. Once I saw the post, I knew I had to make it. Though I never had the dish before, I already tasted it based on the photo and description. I tweaked it a bit to ensure that it’s Paleo and Whole30 friendly, and it’s super easy to make.

Vietnamese Braised Pork Belly – Thit Kho Trung

Thi Kho Trung Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 lbs Pork Belly, sliced about 3 inches
• 5 TBS Vietnamese Fish Sauce – Red Boat Brand*
• 4 TBS Soy Sauce – Organic Raw Coconut Aminos Soy Free Seasoning Sauce*
• 1 dash, Spices – Pepper, black
• 1 TSP of whole coriander seeds
• 3 slices of ginger
• 5 Garlic cloves, sliced
• 5 TBSP shallots, chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, raw
• 2 stalk green onions, rough chopped
• 6 eggs, hard-boiled boiled
• 11 fluid ounce, Pure Organic Coconut Water (1 Liter) (No Sugar Added)* (add less of this if you want more of a savory dish, more if you prefer a sweeter dish)
• 2 TBSP of Olive Oil or Ghee

Instructions:

1. In a boiling pot, boil the eggs and deshell
2. Par boil (about 4 min) the pork and drain the gunk
3. Meanwhile, add olive oil or ghee to a pan stir fry the onions, shallots, garlic, ginger on a medium heat.
4. Once onions start to become translucent, add the pork, fish sauce, soy sauce and coconut water
5. Transfer the meat mix and eggs to pressure cooker, throw in the coriander seeds and black pepper
6. Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to stew/ soup mode and set for an hour and half. Note, you can also use a slow cooker/ crock pot, you can set it on low for about 6-8 hours

 

You can serve this on its own, but it goes really well with steamed cauliflower or any side of vegetables. Enjoy!!!!

Last Name. To change or not to change?

The dog tag I ordered finally came in and it was perfect. Just Perfect. It was exactly what I ordered and read:

Ace Tang Lopez

I rushed in, opened the package, and said, “Babe, isn’t this so cool??? Look at Ace’s dog tag!”

“Uhh….Seriously, Sammy? You got it wrong. It’s supposed to be Ace Lopez Tang.” explained yelled, Tony.

Ace’s Dog Tag…such a conversation starter!

He’s right. In Mexican culture, the kid’s name is the first/given name, paternal last name, maternal last name. Only, I am not Mexican. In Chinese culture, the kid only takes the paternal last name. Also, at marriage the wife does NOT take the husband’s last name and keeps her father’s last name. Not to make a feminist stance, but because in Chinese culture (according to my mom, grandparents and many Asian-American studies courses), a woman’s last name is one of the very few things she has to keep and represents her lineage. Her last name is a clear indication of who she is and where she comes from before she is “given away.”

And then….the argument started.

“Well, when we have kids, it’s going to be the Mexican way.” asserted Tony.

“Really? Says who? What makes you think there will be any changes at all?” I explained.

Having a new pup has tested the both of us. Many interesting intense conversations have come to surface. For example, this whole thing about name changes. I have always liked my name. Who doesn’t like their own name? I have been Sammy Tang for 35 years and I love everything about it. “Sammy Lopez” sounds like a baseball player. Something you’d see on someone’s jersey. Not cute. Not me. Ew.

It’s Wedding Planning Wednesday, and I don’t know if I plan to change my last name. My mom did not. Tony’s sisters did not, neither did my sisters. I don’t think the expectations are there. Why do it? I have questioned social norms and traditions. Once I understand the value and reason behind something, then yes…I can make a sound decision. As of yet, I don’t see a good reason to want to change my last name.

Past brides and future brides, what did you do or what will you do? Are you going go hyphenate your name? Take on his? Keep yours? Merge or create your own? And what’s the reason behind your decision? I’d love to hear from you!

Add Flowers in your home and increase your happiness?

After brunch yesterday, I stopped by the Los Angeles Flower District, and I was in heaven. So many flowers, so little time. I went a little crazy and now my house looks like the Flower Mart too. I read somewhere that flowers increases happiness and reduces stress in a home. I couldn’t agree more.

After a long day of work, it’s just so welcoming to come home to a nice arrangement of flowers. It’s going to be a crazy busy week, so for this week’s Make Something Monday, I wanted to create something inspirational to get me by. This Yellow Forsythia arrangement is going to help me plow through this week.

Whenever I see Yellow Forsythia branches I know that it means that Chinese New Year is right around the corner. Typically, they’re paired with red blossoms and it’s common to see red and yellow blossoms. According to Chinese culture, red symbolizes good luck for the new year and yellow or gold represents great wealth and growth.

What are you plans for this week? I hope that whatever they are that you manage to make something or find something that inspires you or tickles your heart. Make it a great one friends!

Chinese New Year Yellow Forsythia Arrangement

Here’s a simple tutorial on How to make a Chinese New Year Yellow Forsythia Branch (or any type of branch like flower) arrangement.

Items Needed:

• Yellow Forsythia Branches (I got 10 branches for $8 bucks! What a steal!!!)
• Water
• Wide Hurricane Vase (I used one that’s about 15 inches high)

Instructions:

1. Arrange the branches inside the vase so that there is a well balanced finish
2. Fill up the vase with about 4-5 inches of water

 

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries DIY Recipe

As promised, this weekend we are going to be exploring simple Valentine’s Day recipes…it’s just a few weeks away. Have you thought about what you’re going to do for your Valentine?

There’s just something so romantic about chocolate-covered strawberries. Bring them to a party and your guests are going to think WOW…how did you make these? I will show you how and you’re going to be surprised by how easy they are to make. Here’s the recipe that I’ve tweaked from The Food Network.

Easy to make Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Mmmmm….

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 3 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• 1 pound strawberries with stems (about 20), washed and dried very well

Directions

1. Put the semisweet and white chocolates into 2 separate heatproof medium bowls
2. Fill 2 medium saucepans with a couple inches of water
3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Turn off the heat; set the bowls of chocolate over the water to melt.
5. With a beater Stir until smooth.
6. Once melted, remove the bowls from the heat
7. Once the chocolates are melted and smooth, remove from the heat.
8. Line a sheet pan with waxed paper.
9. Holding the strawberry by the stem, dip the fruit into the dark chocolate, lift and twist slightly, letting any excess chocolate fall back into the bowl.
10. Set strawberries on the parchment paper. Repeat with the rest of the strawberries.
11. Put the melted white chocolate in zip lock bag and snip the end (the size of a pencil tip); drizzle over the dipped strawberries. OR you can dip a fork in the white chocolate and drizzle the white chocolate over the dipped strawberries.

Set the strawberries aside until the chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.

Cheers to Mint Green Smoothies and Fabulous Fridays!

Cheers, Salut, Ganbei!

Wowsas! What a week, what a week! Who wakes up thinking, “Geeze. I am gonna crack my molar and get some major dental work done today?! Let’s face our biggest fear today!”?

“Not I,” said the fly.

“Nor me,” said the bee.

After having had a terrible experience where anesthesia never kicked in and I felt each and every single thing happening, my biggest fear is getting major dental work done. Cold shivers, sweating bullets, tears, the struggles was real. I put on my big girl panties and did it. I took on my biggest fear and won (I think…well, sorta).

Cheers, to Friday! Were you thrown a curve ball this week? I know you got a handle on it. What’s got you feeling fabulous this Friday? Me, I am grateful for the wonderful and super gentle Endodontist who really assured me that everything is gonna be okay…AND my mint green smoothie has me feeling oh so FAB this Friday! Not only is it great for my sore mouth, but it’s a wonderful source of fiber and all things fabulous.

May your Friday (and everyday) be all things fabulous, always.

Mint Green Kale Smoothie, Cheers!!!

If you want to make a Mint Green Kale Smoothie, here’s what you need (all items can be found at Costco):

• about 2 handfuls of mixed green kale, my preference is  Deep Green Blends from Earthbound Farm
• about half a handful of no sugar added Frozen Fruit, my preference is Wawona Fruit
• 1/2 C of water
• ~5-10 mint leaves

Set your Vitamix on Smoothie Mode, pour it into your favorite glass, add your cute straw….Sit back and enjoy.

Do you have Marble Jar Friends?

Are you feeling fabulous this Friday?! My Marble Jar Friends have me feeling fabulous! Well, they have me feeling fabulous just about everyday. Do you have a “marble jar friend”? I do. I only have a handful of them.

One of my favorite authors, Brené Brown, refers to a marble jar in her daughter’s classroom. It’s visual gauge of the classroom’s behavior. A very simple reward system if you will. The kids do good deeds and behave well and they are rewarded with marbles. Act out of line, inappropriate, or be unkind, and the teacher removes marbles. One quick glance at the marble jar and enough said. No explanation needed. They know exactly where they stand. When the jar is full they are rewarded with a classroom party. If it’s empty, it’s obvious. There’s a lot to work on.

In Brown’s Daring Greatly, she explains that the trust you build with others can also be measured like marbles in a jar. When someone in your life is with you in your darkest times, supports you, gets vulnerable with you, you’re putting marbles in the jar of friendship. It’s usually the small, simple things we do that allow us to earn marbles. Not just the big things. Relationships are so fragile, that sometimes an act of betrayal or mistrust can lead to the removal of all the marbles and who knows when or if another marble will ever be placed back into that once full jar.

It’s important to know who our Marble Jar Friends are. These are the people close to us who deserve to know our truths. My marble jar friend is someone who:

• I trust and trusts me back
• is clear on where we both stand
• is with me
• does not judge
• asks me for help, and is there when I need help
• listens
• has my back (it’s this unconditional “I got you” that makes me feel safe and secure)
• supports me, not enable
• loves me unconditionally
• is with me for the everyday small moments, not just the BIG ones
• protects our relationship
• is accountable, reliable and dependable
• shares the same values as I

What’s important to you in a friendship? How do you give and take in your relationships? What are your Marble Jar Friendship requirements? I hope you have a Fabulous Friday and hopefully, you get to share some time with your Marble Jar friend this weekend!

Meet our newest addition…

“First comes love, then comes marriage…then comes a…” well, you know the rest. After some discussion, we decided it was time. It’s Think Out Loud Thursday and I think it’s time to share something very exciting…We have a new baby!

Ace Jr.

Meet Ace. He’s 7 weeks old and he’s a Golden Retriever, loves to chew, and is so easy to love. We have been so especially happy with this guy and while it’s been a week of getting up in the middle of the night, a scare with some ruthless raccoons, doggy shots at the Pasadena Humane Society (a wonderful organization that I highly recommend), and it has all been worth it. We couldn’t be any happier.

Ace just loves to chew

Tony meeting Ace

Ace’s Parents

Ace and I chose each other

Yes, I know I have a wedding to plan and assure you that this is not another distraction to derail me from wedding planning. Actually, Tony and I had many discussions about getting a new fur baby. We knew that if we didn’t get one now, we would likely have wait about five years. Last year, we had to put down our beloved Yorkie and we know how much of a commitment having a dog requires and we are committed. Also, we want to enjoy our fur baby before we have children of our own. So, the timing couldn’t be more ideal.

Thank you for coming by and meeting Ace. If you have any tips on dog training or stories to share, you know Ace and I can definitely appreciate them.

 

If your walls could talk, what would they say?

Wall Art. It’s so complicated. Or is it?

Because I am deathly afraid of leaving holes, tearing off the paint, or the fact that I would likely get sick and tired of my wall’s art, I have suffered from BWS. Yes, I just made that up. Bare Wall Syndrome! AKA: The fear of hanging anything up so I’d rather stare at a bare wall.

Really though, it’s not that hard. Or as hard as I thought! So, there’s hope. Once I answered the question, “What do I want my walls to say about me?” the rest was easy. For as long as I can remember, I love maps. Love, love, love them. Don’t know why. I have no sense of direction and Geography is not my strength, but I still love them. Maybe it’s something about maps that remind me that there is a bigger world and a greater purpose or the fact that we are all somehow connected in this big, yet small world? Whatever the reason, I just love them. Especially vintage maps.

Vintage Map of Mexico from an Atlas

I finally decided to hang up some pieces. I knew that I wanted to create a home that shared a story of Tony and I. Something with character and meaning, and not some random stock photo. Both of us are first generation and are Angelenos, so I wanted to make sure that this was very much so part of our home’s story. When I stumbled upon Many Places Maps, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I pieced together vintage maps (pages from a 1930’s Atlas) of China (that’s where my family is from) and Mexico (where Tony’s from). I complimented these with a hand made map of Los Angeles from an artist who I met at the Renegade Craft Fair. I framed them and chose an “Old World” style of frames and put them together in a collage. Of course, the collage is slightly off centered, which oddly makes it a center stage focal point.

DIY Art/ Wall Collage: Vintage Maps of our ancestral roots (China and Mexico) and one of where we are today (Los Angeles) tell our story.

Whenever we  have new guests over, it’s a great opportunity for us to share our story with them. Some days when I look at this collage, I am touched and overcome with gratitude for what our families’ sacrificed to get us to the U.S., which opened many opportunities for us (including the opportunity for us to meet and start our own family together). Other times, I look at it and admire the bright sky blue ocean and the contrasting orange lines which create borders of states countries.

For today’s Make Something Monday, I didn’t want to constrain or guide you with a tutorial or template. Rather, I ask, If your walls could talk, what would they say? What’s on your walls? Is it your child’s artwork? Movie tickets of your first date? A heart felt letter you framed? Or an antique piece that you found at last week’s auction? It’s not as complicated as we think and so long as it holds a special place in your heart, it deserves a special place in your home.

Be it wall art, a new resolution, or even your bed…I hope you made something this Monday…and if you didn’t, there’s always Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and…well, any other day. Make it a great week ahead.

New Year…New You? Nah, New Chalkboard is all.

New Year. New You. New Blah. Don’t get me wrong, I love the New Year. Another milestone, a wonderful time to reflect, and it’s so very hopeful…but the PRESSURE! Today’s post is simple, easy and if you want to create a chalkboard, read on.

I am not sure if my friends like to indulge me with their how to questions typically related to crafts and DIYs. I get excited to share, provide details…and then I end up disheartened. Less than three minutes into it, they typically end up disengaged and utter those four words, “I am not creative.” UGH. No such thing as a non-creative being. But more on that in a later post.

This post is a sinchy tutorial, meant to show you how easy it really is to just create or do something. To start off the New Year (no pressure), I wanted a new chalkboard. Mine was looking old and worn. It bothered me to see last month’s message in the faded background. Reminds me of how I would have such a hard time focusing as a kid…when it was time to Social Studies and  all I would see were math problems in the background, not fully erased. Seriously. Not okay.

Rather than $pend bucks on a new board, I learned about this amazing jar of goodness, Chalkboard Paint, and so…I painted away. As a matter of fact, it’s meant to create a chalkboard on wood, paper mache, canvas, terra cotta, or most porous surfaces. Whatever the surface you choose, here’s what you will need:

Materials Needed:

 

• 1 Jar of Plaid’s Paint it On, chalk it up! Chalkboard Paint (I chose #2517 Black). I got mine from Create for Less 😉
  
• Paint Brush
  
• Multi-Surface Cleaner Spray (soap and water work too), but I used Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner Which I love!!!
• Paper Towels
• Your chosen chalkboard surface (I used my old chalkboard since I wanted to give it a lift)
  

Instructions:

1. Clean the surface. Apply soap or spray, and wipe it down clean with the paper towel. Allow to dry.

   

   Clean the surface…I love Mrs. Meyer’s Multi-Surface Spray

2. Once dried, with your brush, apply the paint to the board/ surface. Allow to dry (give it an hour).

   

   Apply a coat of chalkboard paint.

3. Repeat Step #2 for a second coat.

   

   Apply a second coat.

4. Chalk away! Enjoy your new chalkboard and post your messages all year long.

   

   Happy 2016, Happy Chalking.