Category Archives: Links

Friday: I LOVE YOU.

This week, while a short one, has definitely suffered from the “squeezing five days of work into four days” syndrome. I’ve been hustling at about a hundred miles an hour since Tuesday so I’m definitely ready to hit the pause button.

Good news from the week? I did my first CrossFit work out since I hurt my back, and it was pain free. I’m going back again tonight to pick up the barbell a little and see how it goes. Chiropractors are just gifts! Beyond that, not too much exciting to report. The weather has been amazing lately, and it’s supposed to be in the mid 70s this weekend so we cleaned off all our patio furniture and I think we are going to eat dinner out back. Not sure what I’m going to cook — my brain is still in soup/stew mode, but Mother Nature has apparently decided it is spring.

Fear not, I will adapt. 🙂

Hope you have a great weekend, let’s kick it off by reading some fun links!

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*17 Signs You Were An English Major. I was — and # 6 and # 12 — YESSSSSSSSSS!

*Are you doing the CrossFit Games Open this year? I can’t imagine NOT doing it, but physically I just don’t know if I’m up for it. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, trust me it’s FUN! Read this.

*I thought this was useful info: How To Shop for Clothes Online and Get A Perfect Fit.

*Nice roundup of the 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2014.

*I always enjoy reading what inspires other bloggers.

*Raise your hand if you have a massive to do list that you’re avoiding by reading this blog post? Now go read this.

*Awesome beauty products at Whole Foods? YEP.

*Are we all scrambling our eggs wrong? THE HORROR!

*You know what you should MAKE this weekend? This Mustard Balsamic Baked Chicken. Also I’m feeling really pulled toward this recipe which is super random since I don’t do a lot of salmon experimenting in my house. But I think I’m going to take the plunge. (The champagne pairing got me!)

*And you know what you should DO: Sprint.

*And you know what you should EAT: salt.

*We’ve been thinking about doing a little redecoration around our house and I loved all of this Easy Wall Hanging Inspiration.

*I absolutely loved this: Fat Is Not A Feeling. (BECAUSE IT’S NOT!)

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Enjoy your weekend peeps, whatever you do!

Oh you guys, this has been A WEEK! A week of highs and lows, that is.

Up there is my face after my first awesome workout in weeks. God, I just felt like myself again! So darn happy. I had a great workout, Overhead Squated 130 lbs (a new PR for me!) and felt human for the first time in weeks. But that was on Monday and it’s just sort of devolved from there. I hate how that happens sometimes.

I don’t know if it is the fact that this was the first 5 day work week I’ve done for a while or what, but I felt like I was walking uphill all. week. long. Compounding that, I started to feel sick again on Wednesday (NOOOOOOOOOO. NO. NO. NO.), and I’m dealing with some mystery back pain that has me making a bee line to the chiropractor next week because I’m feeling a little concerned.

2014 has sort of come in like a hurricane.

On the upside, this weekend I get to see some family, spend a little time with my mom, and mostly just relax. It is much needed and while my usual tendency when I have free time is to plan all of the fun! things! This weekend, I’m just going to see how it all unfolds. (And also sleep, because OMG I CAN NOT SPEND MORE TIME SICK. I JUST CAN’T. UGH.) So with that said, let’s talk about all the fun stuff floating around the internet this week. After a brief hiatus, I feel like all my favorite bloggers are back to posting regularly so there is so much to share!

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*Exercising the Courage Muscle — this may be the hardest (but most worth it) muscle to exercise!

*Here are some great resources for Plus Size Workout Clothes.

*My friend Diana posted a delicious looking recipe for Sea Salted Rosemary Chive Crackers that are grain free and delicious looking! May have to try those soon.

*Speaking of recipes — I am intrigued by the concept of Mini Mexi Meatloaves. I am totally Team Mealoaf.

*It’s the beginning of the year — are you thinking about trying CrossFit in 2014? Then you must read 5 Tips On How To Know You Are In A Good CrossFit Box. All boxes are definitely NOT created equal.

*This list of the 100 Most Influential People in Health + Fitness is full of good blog inspiration.

*I am 100% in love with this Not To Do List. (And it’s a free printable!)

*This post about emoji gave me a chuckle.

*I was inspired by these tips on how to document your life in less than 20 minutes per week.

*Love this book list for people needing creative inspiration. And this list of 50 Fiction Books That Might Just Change Your Life.

*25 Websites that Make You Smarter — who needs an excuse to read that?

*Fear Choice vs. Love Choice. WHOA.

*I am the queen of knowing what’s good for me and then doing something different. As such, this post spoke to me.

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Hope you have a great weekend, whatever you choose to do!

Hoooooooooooooooooooo Boooooooooooooooy, y’all IT IS COLD!

By the looks of Instagram that weather is chilly where you’re at as well. I know out here in California our “cold weather” gets a chuckle from other parts of the country, but let me tell you — it’s all relative, and we’ve been spending as much time as possible curled up under blankets all week long! Even Buster is over the cold weather.

This weekend we are headed to our favorite annual holiday party (good food, good friends, pub style trivia + white elephant gifts! YAY!) but I also plan to spend some serious time in the kitchen making some WARM ASS FOOD. If you have a soup/stew recommendation, leave it in the comments. I’m dying to expand my repertoire!

Hope you keep cozy all weekend and have a great one! Now, let’s get to some links!

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*Best thing I read all week: 10 Things I Want My Daughter To Know About Working Out.

*Everyone needs to eat. Not all of us need to cook. I related to this so much.

*19 Signs You Are Doing Better Than You Think. Damn, you guys. We’ve got it pretty good!

*More good advice on how to Be Friends With Failure.

*I think making this recipe with sweet potatoes could be DANGEROUS. In the very best way, of course!

*Now this is a totally awesome, non-twee maternity photo shoot I can get behind! It’s not so much that I am anti happy belly pics, I think it’s more that I just love the concept of a dramatic “Glorious Portrait.” And what’s more glorious than GROWING A HUMAN?

*This might seem completely out of left field since I’m not even a Jonas Brothers fan, but I found Joe Jonas’ perspective on fame and working for the Disney machine completely riveting.

*This NY Times article about how overweight patients face a bias in the doctors office reminded me of this video that I wish the world would watch. (I’ve posted that video before, but it has such a powerful message I’m doing it again!)

*Stephanie put together a great list of Paleo Holiday Gift Ideas for the Foodie on Your List.

*I think I may NEED this t-shirt.

*If you don’t find this adorable, you may not have a heart: Cats Giving High Fives.

*Here is the NY Times 10 Best Books of 2013. Have you read any?

*Not in a book mood right now? How about 10 Inspirational Movies to Watch This Weekend. (I can get behind all of them except Meet Joe Black. ACK! I hated that movie.)

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Books, movies and blankets — aw yeah — let’s get this weekend started!

So today is the last Friday before Christmas and the second to last Friday of the year. My brain can’t even comprehend that, but I guess I’m just going to have to get over that and move on. 🙂

We’ve been a den of illness around here this week, so not too much fun to report. But Garrett and I are on the mend, so this weekend will probably just be spent playing a little catch up and preparing for the holidays to come. I anticipate some laundry and some napping. Not a bad situation, really.

I’m off work today (WOOOOOOOO!) and plan to finish up some Christmas stuff and then park my ass on the couch and finish this book. (OMG SO GOOD!!!)

Scintillating, I know. Let’s talk about some fun links:

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*If you are thinking about revamping your personal style in the new year, Alison has some great advice on How To Create Capsule Wardrobes.

*Give the important things a year on their own. I love the idea of Finding Balance Over Your Years, Not Your Days.

*Primal Gingerbread Cake. You know you want to make it.

*This pretty much sums up my eating habits lately.

*Well here’s a lofty promise: 13 Life Changing Books. I added a few to my To-Read List.

*This photo shoot had me crumpled up in a ball of tears.

*I am simultaneously disgusted and fascinated by this West Virginia “Heathers” murder.

*On a happier note, I loved this Birth Announcement! 🙂

*I know it’s the French Alps and all, but I would have to take a Xanax to see this.

*Making Time For What You Want — JUST DO IT.

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That’s all for this week. Hope you all have a great LAST WEEKEND BEFORE CHRISTMAS OMG! I better go finish my shopping! Toodles!

My two favorite dudes.

Is this the last weekend before December Holiday Madness begins? I think I need to drink a lot of water, eat a lot of vegetables and generally lay low because once Thanksgiving hits it is a quick slide right into the new year.

YOU GUYS, HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?

I can’t even think about it today. 🙂 Today all I can think about is how happy I am that it is the weekend, and that I read so many fun things on the internet this week. Check ’em out:

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*10 Common Mistakes That Keep You From Being Healthy And Happy.

*On my crabby day, reading this just turned my entire perspective around. (Ok, all of your funny comments helped too! So thanks.)

*This little trick is something I’ve used for a long time. It works REMARKABLY: You Already Have What You Want

*I love Elizabeth Akinwale AND HER THIGHS. If only someone cool was into Closing the (Thigh) Gap while I was growing up. Sigh!

*I feel like this is Martha Stewart’s karma biting her in the ass for implying that bloggers are untalented and not professional.

*Let’s be real, we all need a good cry once in a while. This Heartbreak Songs Playlist is full of quite a few tear jerkers.

*Resounding Slow Clap: In Defense of the Personal Blog.

*‘Tis The Season To Roast All Your Veggies: I couldn’t agree more.

*I agreed with every single thing in Marie Forleo’s video about 4 Things Really Productive People Do Everyday.

*Wanna come visit? 5 Cool California Places to Stay using AirBnb. Those all look AWESOME!

*I related quite a bit to Allison’s story on Choosing A Positive Life.

*Pinch of Yum’s series on Traffic and Income is always a fascinating read if you are interested in how bloggers make money.

*I’m thinking about mixing up one of these this weekend.

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Whatever you are doing this weekend, I hope it is a good one friends!

It’s Friday! Hooray! Boy am I ready.

I spent most of my day yesterday in a hospital ER. Not what I planned, to say the least. Please don’t worry, it was something minor, but also something that required medical intervention. For as granola as I can be sometimes, never wanting to take medicine and looking for natural remedies, etc — I am forever grateful that for doctors and nurses who help people with acute problems day in and day out!

Anyway, looking around the ER waiting room just reminded me that the amount of time I spend thinking about and working toward the idea of being the “Healthiest + Best Version of Myself” is really quite a privilege. I probably need to spend more time appreciating what a gift that flexibility is and spend less time feeling frustrated that my pants were ONE SIZE SMALLER last year, or fretting that I can’t quite figure out how many carbohydrates are the “optimal” amount for me to eat. SHEESH.

So — WOW — didn’t mean to be a downer, just wanted to share a little perspective that the Universe smacked me over the head with yesterday. To make up for it though, how about some fun links?

Here we go:

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*Cheap Laugh: Awkward Domain Names.

*And if you want to keep that vibe going: 32 Books Guaranteed to Make You Laugh Out Loud

*You may want to just file this away for later: 17 Lifesaving Thanksgiving Cooking Hacks

*I love this advice forLiving Less Frazzled and More Fulfilled.

*Wow. A story about a waffle house made me a little weepy. Who would have thought…

*Speaking of unbelievable things: 5 Ways to Be Healthy WITHOUT Kale. Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat? 🙂

*You don’t only deserve one hour out of 24, the people in your life deserve it too. Get to the gym.

*Closet FOMO. Did you know? It exists.

*The future belongs to those that care and those that believe.

*Shrinking Women. So, hey, that was powerful.

*When I visit the town I grew up in this is exactly how I feel.

*I see a Paleo version of this in my future.

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This weekend should be full of fun with a side of lounging. What are you guys up to?

Snip Snip! There it goes!

Thanks for all of your advice guys! I kicked Jessica Biel to the curb and cut off a bunch of hair and I’m hoping this is sufficient training wheels to rockstar pixie-ville. 🙂 We’ll see. Can I just say, I’m so glad we made it to the weekend. This one is a busy one for us, so while I won’t be doing too much relaxing, I will be having a good time. Hope you all are doing the same. Shall we get to the best and the brightest of the internet this week?

Let’s do it.

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*Top 15 Foodie Weekends? Oh Sunset Magazine, how I’d like to live in your pages.

*When a post is titled These 20 Photos Are Going to Make You Cry (in a good way!), don’t click through if you are feeling hormonal. (Um, except do. Because it is worth it.)

*Are you ready to meet the chili of your dreams? You’ll find it right here.

*Do you know how to find the best deals at Target? There’s a science to it.

*I’m in love with this video. It’s about 10 minutes, but it’s worth it.

*3 Popular Health Lies That Will Make You Sick.

*And while we’re listing: 10 Life Lessons You Should Unlearn (I love you Martha Beck!)

*If you suffer from Technology Guilt, my friend A’Dell wrote a great rant In Defense of Devices.

*Have you been to the website What Should I Read Next? You type in your favorite book and it makes suggestions. Fun!

*Let me introduce you to your new best friend.

*Speaking of best friends: 41 Ways Your Dog Makes Your Life 100% Better Sooooooo True!

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Enjoy your weekend, folks!

Haven’t had any wine this week. Please make your own inferences. 🙂

Howdy folks! Friday is where it’s at! I have a hot coffee in hand, a flexible schedule, and an agenda for the weekend that I can’t wait to get to. (Good friends, good food, cute babies and fun errands. Great stuff, actually.) It’s been an interesting week physically, as I’ve been tweaking my diet (I think I mentioned that earlier in the week) and boy have I really felt some effects. More to come on this little bio-hack experiment when I have a coherent brain! Hope you all have great weekends — what say we get into some links?

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*Successful relationships don’t have a secret formula, but I thought these 20 Questions To Ask Before You Get Married had a lot of great food for thought for building a lasting foundation in a relationship.

*Here is your permission to add these to The No List: 4 Exercises That Are A Complete Waste of Time.

*The difference between Inspiration vs. Motivation is small, but IMPORTANT!

*I’m always suspicious of “Must Have” lists, but I totally agree with these 3 Must Have Boots for Fall.

*Stars and their dogs! The Most Adorable Dogs In Hollywood History. The Frank Sinatra dog melted my heart! And that entire Audrey Hepburn picture was PERFECTION!

*Alison is throwing down some knowledge this week with 8 Easy Paleo Swaps for those of you just starting Paleo.

*In “Is the hype worth it?” news, I tried the Bulletproof coffee recipe this week fully expecting to roll my eyes. Instead, it was DELICIOUS! Here’s a little primer.

*Things I plan on cooking this weekend:
Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Biscotti
Thyme Braised Short Ribs
Roast Salmon and Broccoli with Chili Caper Vinaigrette

*Did you see this Open Letter to the President and CEO of Costco? Melted my heart and is totally helping me justify my next large Costco purchase: A Sous Vide Supreme!

*How interesting is this? The Surprising Passions of 11 Brilliant People. Edith Wharton would have LOVED Pinterest.

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Here’s to your weekend treating you RIGHT!

Happy Friday! I’m sort of excited to put this week behind me. If you were around while I was lamenting my birthday on Tuesday, the above is a picture from that night of my 23rd birthday. Oh man, my brassy red hair. Gotta love it.

This weekend is jam packed, beginning with a fun little Team Wod-a-Thon at the gym. Should be a good time. Also, this weekend I am getting back to doing some yoga. I’ve missed it, so I’m looking forward to that. I can’t believe next week is the last FULL week in October. You guys where is the time going this year? CRAZY town. Hope you all have a good weekend! And now for some links:

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*This week I got a generic piece of junk mail from that company 23andMe. Have you heard of it? I normally throw that stuff away but something made me open it, and all of a sudden I was like, “Hmmm…a genetic test could be fun.” Then yesterday I got my new issue of Fast Company and the cover story was all about Ann Wojcicki, the company’s CEO and it was legitimately the most fascinating thing I’ve read I’ll week and I’m still not sure what I think about it. I am RIVETED by all the moving parts: the idea of accessible preventative health care info, the impact of that on our current health care system, the commodification of health information, their business model, the lofty goals of the company, the PR Machine that clearly surrounds them, RUSSIAN BILLIONAIRES. Fascinating! I definitely want to watch what happens. What do you think about genetic testing? For $99 would you do it?

*So I made a totally life changing decision last week: I’m NO LONGER Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Yep, I deleted the show’s series record from my DVR. I never thought this day would come, but despite being a Bad Reality TV Enthusiast I just can not tolerate them any longer. And seriously, this completely reaffirmed my decision.

*This week Swistle wrote a great post (as she does) that did a great job articulating all the things I love about blogs. But also how they are changing. Personally, I love watching it evolve, but sometimes I do get sad that it isn’t exactly the “coffee talk” it used to be.

*Another great reminder that blog posts are NOT real life.

*This week my friend Caity posted a great round up of photography advice. For some reason fall and winter always make me more apt to pull out my camera.

*This Fall Seasonal Produce Guide from Steph at Stupid Easy Paleo makes me hungry.

*How have I never thought to make Tomato, Olive and Caper Salsa? Chicken breasts: GET READY.

*I am so in love with this infographic: The Most Famous Book Set In Every State. And since we are talking infographics, please enjoy: Jay-Z’s Most Name Dropped Products By Album.

*We’re getting to holiday party season, are you ready? Top 10 Paleo Party Rules has some great tips!

*Please go watch this video and have a good, hysterical laugh. Then check the comments — OMG Friday Afternoon Gold Mine of Distraction!

*Need more entertaining time wasters? Check out 10 Cast Reunions: Then and Now (Seriously, Mystic Pizza gives me hope for aging!)

*Maybe there is a solution to the Post-35 Ass Dropping Syndrome my co-worker warned me about the other day! HALLELUJAH! 🙂

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That’s all the news that is news. Have a great weekend!

We had a dog party this week and thank god no one ended up swinging from the chandeliers!

Hola peeps! Happy Friday!

It’s been a pretty crazy week playing catch up since, between Iowa and our Oktoberfest weekend I have basically been out of town for the past 10 days, but this morning I woke up and felt truly caught up. Well, uh…until Garrett looked into our empty refrigerator and said “What should I take to work for lunch?” Sorry, Garrett! We aren’t COMPLETELY caught up. 🙂 But this afternoon I will be rolling into the weekend with no worries.

This weekend is actually my birthday weekend (on Monday I turn 35! OMG HAVE NOT DECIDED HOW I FEEL ABOUT THAT!) so obviously I plan to do whatever the hell I want all weekend. Hopefully with a few fun little excursions thrown in! Anyway, enough about me, let’s talk links!

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*First can we just talk about the BEST NEWS EVER from this week? AndreAnna is tip-toeing back onto the internet.

*Food I’d like to make this weekend: Baked Chicken with Jalapeno Pesto, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Capers, Paleo Caramel Brownies

*Speaking of food, the Top 5 “Health” Foods That Do More Harm Than Good.

*Lots of good looking books on this Fall Reading List. I am so ready for it to get cold so I can feel no guilt when I spend a few extra hours reading in bed! (I’m currently reading this book and it is a PAGE TURNER! I’m obsessed!)

*REALITY CHECK: 6 Helpful Reminders for the Overwhelmed Person. (Hint, the world has been ending since the beginning of time.)

*The jury is still out on how I feel about Gabby Bernstein, but this video did TOTALLY speak to me.

*Do you use My Fitness Pal? I found these instructions to re-configure your macros super helpful since I have no desire to eat 300 g of carbs per day or whatever ridiculous amount the default is listed at.

*Things I Am Excited About: Catherine Malandrino made a line for Kohl’s! I think I might need this. While we’re shopping at Kohl’s, I also really want this Lauren Conrad shirt. (Ok this one too.) So cute! Fall has me dying to wear all sorts of black. Usually I get all earthy once autumn rolls in, but this year I feeling all about black and white.

*If you live in a colder climate and are wondering about minimal shoes for winter, Katy Bowman put together a great resource list.

*Loved this: It’s not always easy and transition is uncomfortable, but alas it is essential. Stephanie’s post on Discipline, Patience + Hard Work is on point!

*Have you downloaded your preview of Well Fed 2 yet? I cooked out of it this week and YOU GUYS!!!! I can’t wait to share my thoughts about it with you. (But here’s a hint: I LOVE IT ALREADY!)

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Ok, go forth and have a great weekend everyone! I’m right about to do the same. 🙂