What Personality Traits Do Women Who Don’t Wear Jewelry Reflect?

What Personality Traits Do Women Who Don’t Wear Jewelry Reflect?

The writer Mo Yan once shared that when he meets women who don't wear jewelry, he believes they are very special.

There’s an old saying: “A scholar will die for the one who understands them, and a woman will beautify herself for the one who loves her.” Women naturally love beauty and often enjoy makeup and wearing jewelry like necklaces, earrings, and bracelets to enhance their appearance.  However, in life, it’s not uncommon to encounter women who don’t adorn themselves with these accessories.  What makes them different?

Mo Yan believes that women who don’t wear makeup or jewelry tend to be unique individuals.  They are unconcerned with fame or gain and have pure souls.  In today’s society, such women—gentle, calm, and unpretentious—are rare.  They do not belong to a world of materialism but possess natural beauty, live simply, and have pure hearts.

Today, with advanced technology, women can achieve near-perfect beauty through cosmetic surgery.  But this only alters their outward appearance.  What about their inner qualities?  While they may not need to nurture their souls, the focus on outer beauty may obscure what truly matters: inner values.  Is outward beauty really as important as we think?

Which Is More Important: Outer Beauty or Inner Beauty?

Self-image is how we perceive ourselves.  When we feel comfortable, our work and relationships improve, and life becomes more harmonious.  But does appearance really determine everything?

Physical beauty only holds value when paired with inner beauty, which is far more enduring than appearance, which fades over time.  Inner beauty is reflected in how you behave, the good deeds you do, and the knowledge you accumulate.  It is an invisible charm, the true essence of a person.  Inner grace reveals your personality and character.  Achieving this requires learning and cultivating yourself through books and life experiences.

So, which will you choose: outer beauty or inner beauty?

Note: Mo Yan (born February 17, 1955) is a Chinese writer from a farming background.  He became internationally known with his work Red Sorghum, which was adapted into a film by famous director Zhang Yimou.  The movie won the Golden Bear award at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1988.  Mo Yan had to drop out of elementary school due to the Cultural Revolution and spent many years working in rural areas, herding goats and facing hunger and loneliness.  On October 11, 2012, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first Chinese citizen to receive this prestigious honor.

(Sourced from the Encyclopedia)

Vegetarian Squash and Mushroom Soup --Canh mướp chay và nấm

Squash soup is a beloved dish in Vietnam, known for its light, refreshing flavor, especially during the summer.  In rural areas, squash is easy to grow, and the trellises offer shade, while the fruit itself is deliciously sweet.  For vegetarians, squash is a favorite ingredient because it's simple to cook and packed with nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 1 squash -mướp
• 1 king oyster mushroom
• 4 oz. enoki mushrooms
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 4 cups water

Seasoning ingredients:

• Salt
• sugar
• Black pepper
• Mushroom seasoning

Directions:

1.    Peel and wash the squash, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.

2.    Cut the king oyster mushroom into small pieces.

3.    Halve the enoki mushrooms.

4.    In a pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil.  Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.

5.    Add 4 cups of water and bring to a boil.  Add the squash and king oyster mushrooms.

6.    Once the soup returns to a boil, add the enoki mushrooms, 2 teaspoons of salt, and mushroom seasoning to taste.

7.    Cook for an additional 3 minutes, then turn off the heat.

8.    Garnish with cilantro, serve, and enjoy!

 

Tip:

Tofu can be added to this recipe. This soup can be served with rice or noodles.

How to Mix Dipping Sauces for Vegetarian Meals

In the Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine, dipping sauces are an essential accompaniment. The flavor of each sauce can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, such as the amount of sugar, lime, or water.  Common ingredients like garlic, ginger, and chili are often used to enhance the flavor.  Here are some simple dipping sauces you can make and customize for your meals, perfect for pairing with noodles or boiled vegetables.

1. Lemongrass Dipping Sauce ingredients:

• 3 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 3 tbsp vegan fish sauce
• 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped

Mix all the ingredients and adjust seasoning to your taste.

2. Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce ingredients:

• 3 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp water
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 3 tbsp vegan fish sauce

Stir well and adjust to your preferred flavor balance.

3. Peanut Soy Sauce Dipping Sauce ingredients:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp peanut butter

Mix thoroughly until smooth.

4. Vinegar Soy Sauce Dipping Sauce ingredients:

• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp vinegar

Combine the ingredients and mix well.

5. Fermented Bean Curd Dipping Sauce ingredients:

• 7 cubes of fermented bean curd
• 2 tbsp liquid from fermented bean curd
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 5 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp oil

Mix all ingredients and adjust to taste.

 

Feel free to modify each recipe to suit your meal and preference!

Light Subway Tuna Sandwich

Creating a lighter version of the classic Subway tuna sandwich at home is a great way to enjoy a healthier and more cost-effective meal.  By adjusting the amount of mayonnaise to suit your taste, you can control the calorie content without sacrificing flavor.  The key to a delicious homemade tuna sandwich lies in the quality of the tuna.  Opting for canned light tuna or albacore, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, ensures a nutritious meal that supports heart health and vision.  To enhance the sandwich, consider adding fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for added crunch and nutrition.  A dash of lemon juice, vinegar or a sprinkle of herbs can also elevate the taste.  With these simple tweaks, you can create a sandwich that not only satisfies your taste buds but also contributes to a balanced diet.  Enjoy your personalized, lighter tuna sandwich that echoes the beloved Subway classic but with your unique touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of tuna in water (approx. 6 oz.)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or your preferred vinegar)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or grape seed oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Toppings:

• Shredded lettuce, Pickle jalapeno, cucumber, tomato

Instructions:

1.    Drain the tuna and place it in a bowl.

2.    Add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3.    Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined.

4.    Serve the tuna mixture on your favorite bread, topped with shredded lettuce.

5.    Enjoy a healthier, delicious sandwich at a fraction of the cost!

Feel free to add other toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, or your favorite vegetables for added flavor and crunch.

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who can resist a classic chocolate chip cookie?  Loved by both young and old, this timeless treat has many variations, and you’ll often find a recipe right on the flour or chocolate chip bag. Today, I’m excited to share a tried-and-true version from professional baker Anne Olson, who also shares her baking techniques on YouTube.  Follow this recipe to create perfectly soft, chewy cookies every time!

 

Ingredients:

• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup roasted and chopped pecans (optional)

Directions:

1.    Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2.    In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.

3.    Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

4.    In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, and cornstarch.  Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter-egg mixture, blending until a soft dough forms.

5.    Fold in the chocolate chips and roasted pecans (if using).

6.    Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7.    Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to ensure the cookies bake evenly and maintain their shape.

8.    After chilling, bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

9.    Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

 

Enjoy these classic chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk or on their own!

Tuna Stew with Soy Sauce

Mackerel is a common dish in the Vietnamese cuisine, often prepared with tomatoes or pineapple. Today, I’m sharing a quick and flavorful tuna stew that takes just 20 minutes to prepare, using a savory soy sauce base.

 

Ingredients:

• 2 tuna filets

Ingredients For the stew sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp chili sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp chicken powder or mushroom seasoning

Other ingredients:

• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 green onions (whites and greens separated)
• Oil for pan-frying fish

Directions:

1.    Preparing the fish: Wash, dry, and cut the tuna filets into 2-inch pieces.

2.    Making the sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, water, sugar, oyster sauce, chili sauce, ketchup, and seasoning. Mix well.

3.    Pan-frying the tuna: Heat a little oil in a nonstick pan. Fry the tuna until golden brown on all sides. Set aside.

4.    Sautéing the aromatics: In a separate pan, heat some oil and sauté the shallot, garlic, and the white parts of the green onions until fragrant.

5.    Simmering the tuna: Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a boil. Add the fried tuna to the pan and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the fish.

6.    Serving: Garnish with the green parts of the onions and serve hot with cooked rice.

 

Enjoy this simple yet delicious Vietnamese-style tuna stew!

Live like today is your last day.

When thinking about death, many people feel fear. This is natural because who isn't afraid of death?  I once felt the same way, and perhaps you, too, have shared this feeling at some point.  No one wants to die, not even those who wish to go to heaven want to die to get there. I’m certain of this, as no record has ever shown someone committing suicide just because they wanted to go to heaven.  However, as Steve Jobs once said, "Death is the destination we all share.  No one can escape it, and that's how it should be.  Death is likely life's single greatest invention; it brings about change.  It wipes out the old to make way for the new."

If death is the inevitable destination for everyone, the law of nature, then why should we be afraid of it?  Why not live as though today is your last day?  Thinking like this will make life more meaningful and valuable.  When you think this way, you’ll feel lighter, as you’ll be freed from the pressures and burdens that once weighed you down. There is nothing left to be ashamed of, nothing left to worry about. You’ll break free from the narrow frameworks of daily life to focus on what you believe to be the most important things in life.  You’ll avoid unnecessary distractions and dedicate your time to those you love, caring for them more deeply. You’ll stop yourself from saying or doing things that might hurt them. By thinking this way, you will learn to appreciate the gifts life has given you and know how to give back in return.

When living as if today is your last, you will share more, because as people often say, joy is doubled when shared, and sorrow is halved.  You’ll also find it easier to forgive others because with only one day left, there’s no time for grudges or anger.

Life is a cycle. When we are born, we are something new, but we grow old and die to make way for other new things. This is an undeniable truth, a rule of life. Thus, we have only a limited amount of time to achieve our goals.  Don’t waste it living someone else’s life or following others' thoughts and viewpoints. Don’t let time slip by meaninglessly, living without goals or ideals. You are an individual, with your own dreams, aspirations, and desires, and only you know what is truly important to you.  You can look to others for inspiration, but don’t strive to become them. Copying someone else will never bring true fulfillment.  Instead, act on what your heart and intuition tell you, not the pressures from outside.  After all, we only live once. When you are gone, no matter how much you want to, you can no longer do what your heart once yearned for.  Even if there is some world beyond this one, who has ever returned to tell us about it?

So, live like today is your last day!

Chicken Stir-Fry with Zucchini and Mushrooms

Creating a homemade chicken stir-fry with zucchini and mushrooms is a delightful culinary adventure that brings the essence of the Asian cuisine right to your kitchen.  Imagine the sizzle as tender slices of chicken hit the hot pan, the aroma of garlic and ginger wafting through the air, and the vibrant colors of fresh zucchini and earthy mushrooms as they cook to perfection. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with a variety of vegetables like crunchy bell peppers, hearty broccoli, or even sweet snap peas to add your personal touch to this classic recipe. Whether served over a bed of fluffy rice or twirled into noodles, each bite promises a burst of flavors that makes skipping the takeout an easy choice.  Enjoy the process of chopping, stirring, and seasoning as you craft a meal that's uniquely yours, full of nutrition and tailored to your taste. This homemade chicken stir-fry with zucchini and mushrooms is a flavorful alternative to takeout, inspired by a popular Panda Express dish.

 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup button mushrooms, cut into halves or quarters
• 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1/2 white onion, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• Oil for cooking

Marinade ingredients:

• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp soy sauce

Sauce ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp cooking wine
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Thickening Mixture ingredients:

• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp water
•  

Directions:

1.    Marinating the Chicken:

·         In a bowl, mix the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and soy sauce. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.

2.    Preparing Vegetables and Sauce:

·         Wash and cut the zucchini into 1/2-inch cubes and slice the mushrooms.

·         In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, sugar, cooking wine, and black pepper. Set aside.

·         Mix the cornstarch and water to create the thickening mixture and set it aside.

3.    Cooking the Chicken:

·         Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

4.    Stir-frying the Vegetables:

·         In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

·         Add the mushrooms and zucchini and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

5.    Combining and Finishing:

·         Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and bring it to a boil. Add the chicken and white onion back into the pan and stir everything together.

·         Add the thickening mixture to the pan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

6.    Serving:

·         Garnish with chopped green onions and serve the stir-fry hot over steamed rice.

 

Enjoy your delicious homemade stir-fry!