We’ve finally reached the end of 2020. I hope that you all were able to stay safe while keeping in touch with your loved ones. Here are a few of my favorite things for December 2020.
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Moments
This year has been a struggle but filled with memorable moments and instants of joy for me. While I may never have a wedding to celebrate my marriage, it’s been so much fun spending time with my husband as we work from home. He has been able to join in all my doctor’s visits, and we’ve been able to support each other through this pandemic. It’s been a great stress test on our partnership as we begin the journey of parenting. While my parents are near, but far as we limit our social gatherings, we can still pass on old tradition. Every year, ABC broadcasts The THE SOUND OF MUSIC SING-ALONG EDITION, and my mother watches it religiously. I grew up knowing all the songs and dialogue but never understanding why my mother watched it every year. As I learn more about the Vietnam war, her views on parenting, and my upbringing, I finally understand the themes of sacrifices during the Third Riech’s tumultuous reign over Austria. Also, the struggle of choices as we navigate love, honor, and duty. Watching this movie made me miss my mom, but I watched it with my husband this year, starting a new holiday tradition.☆☆☆☆☆
Purchase
THSINDE 12 PCS BRA STRAP CLIPS AND HOLDER
BLINGKINGDOM 6PCS STRAP BACK BRA EXTENDER, WHITE/BLACK/KHAKI
As my body changes through this pregnancy, I didn’t want to commit to a whole new wardrobe for the next few months. I’ve been lucky enough to receive a large donation from my aunt, who lost a few pounds through Zumba. It’s been a great adventure on learning how to work on my pregnancy style throughout each season. Winter allowed me to hide my current shape under large sweaters and leggings. Bras were a different issue. I purchased these extenders and strap holders back in October and used them as my body transitioned through each trimester. Luckily, I had a handful of bras I could ‘grow into’ as I grew bigger. These have been a great purchase. The bra extenders help with the ribcage area so I can breathe a little easier. The clips and holder keep my straps in place, so I don’t mess with them every 5 minutes. I really needed the clips and strap holders before this pregnancy, very life-changing. With both purchases, I feel more supported and less constricted. ☆☆☆☆☆
Read
At the beginning of my pregnancy, I was feeling very overwhelmed by the litany of information available. Some of the data was based on science, and others anecdotal. I still work on sifting through what’s fake, sensational, and accurate news in the age of information. I was mostly using apps such as Pregnancy+ by Phillips (Apple/Android) and What to Expect (Apple/Android). Both apps are similar on the tracking side: providing estimated weights, fruit comparisons, and weekly health articles. The Pregnancy+ app is not too congested with information. It has a Questions section to write down all the questions I have for each monthly appointment and weekly articles on common questions pregnant moms might have throughout the pregnancy. A few moms recommended me the What to Expect app, which has A LOT of information and ads, some times too much of everything. I was still feeling baffled at the OBGYN office on what tests I was doing and how my body was changing.
My husband’s cousin gifted me with the book, What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff (2016 Edition), at the beginning of my pregnancy. Reading has been my preferred method of getting information. It’s a massive tome, but it is formatted in a way where I can just reach each chapter as I pass each pregnancy milestone. I also read a bit ahead to see what is coming at each month’s appointment and more details about my baby’s growth stage. It’s informative, supporting, and comforting all at the same time. It provides different options and methods that may or may not work for you, but you are at least aware of what’s available out there. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking to cut through all the noise of the internet.☆☆☆☆☆
Recipe
This was one of my favorite recipes from my weekend KK zoom cooking adventures: Crispy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl over Cilantro-Lime Rice by eatwithclarity.com. As with all bowls, they are many components to this dish, but you can customize it to your preference. I omitted the red and orange peppers and added a can of corn instead. It was fun to learn about how to toast rice before cooking in comparison to the steaming method.
Crispy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl
Perfect for meal prep, this bowl is topped filling black beans, sweet corn, and creamy avocado over a bed of tangy cilantro-lime rice. Adapted from eatwithclarity.com Visit eatwithclarity.com for more detailed instructions and tips.
Ingredients
- Cilantro-Lime Rice:
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 3-4 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 3 cups water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp salt Toppings:
- 1 can black beans
- 1 avocado
- 1 can corn
- sour cream
- salsa
- avocado
- lime tortilla chips (optional) Tofu:
- 1 block extra firm tofu
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1-2 tsp coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 3 tbsp corn starch or arrowroot starch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2-1 tsp sea salt
Directions
- Remove the tofu from the package and drain out excess liquid. Place tofu under a heavy object and press out excess liquid for 5-10 minutes.
- In a large pot, add the rice, garlic, and olive oil. Toast for 3-4 minutes until it looks slightly yellow and a wet sand texture.
- Mix the salt and water and add the salty water to the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Cover the rice with a lid.
- When all liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in the finely chopped cilantro and lime juice.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While the tofu is draining, mix together the coconut sugar, cornstarch, spices, and salt.
- Chop the tofu into cubes and add to a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix together the oil and sriracha.
- Add half of the oil/sriracha mixture to the tofu and toss lightly. Toss with the spice mixture until well coated.
- Place tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes and then brush the rest of the sriracha mixture on the tofu.
- Bake for 10-15 more minutes or until the tofu crispy on the outside and the peppers have softened.
- Assemble the bowls with cilantro lime rice, black beans, corn, , tofu, avocado, sour cream, lime tortilla chips, and salsa if desired.
Nutrition
Per Serving: 543 calories; 21.1 g fat; 59.0 g carbohydrates;22.6 g protein; 13.1 g fiber.
Until next time,
Diana
diana luong 