Hello, there. I hope everybody is having a fabulous, relaxing Sunday.

We’ve had a great weekend; my in-laws arrived Friday night and left this afternoon after a delicious lunch at Ed’s Seafood Shed.

Saturday morning I ran the 8K By The Bay, my first-ever 8K. The fog lifted just before the race started at 8:00, and while the sun was a bit bright and hot, the run was was perfect. I did end up walking a few times, but I finished 54:30, which is actually a faster pace (10:57) than my previous 5Ks.

We had a lovely dinner at Bonefish Grill with Mark’s and my parents (to celebrate my mother-in-law’s birthday) and spent some time around the house.

Now it’s laundry and relaxation time. But before I go, here are some good recipes and reads from the week.

.Recipes.

Roasted Poblano and Corn Oaxaca Grilled Cheese via Spoon Fork Bacon

I might’ve googled “Oaxaca” (evidently, it’s a semi-hard cheese made in Oaxaca, Mexico similar to Monterey Jack but with a string cheese-like texture), but this grilled cheese sounds out of this world. Corn is delicious no matter how you serve it, and I don’t eat poblano peppers nearly often enough

Carrot “Rice” Leek Risotto with Bacon via Inspiralized/Skinnytaste

Carrot “rice?” Genius. I never jumped on the cauliflower “rice” bandwagon (though I did make cauliflower crust pizza a few times), but this is just too intriguing to pass up. And who doesn’t love risotto?

No Bake Double Chocolate Fudge Protein Bites via Running With Spoons

Double chocolate: enough said.

Polenta Tart with Asiago Spinach via Yeah…Imma Eat That

I’m a grits girl at heart, but I love polenta. It’s all just corn anyways. Add some asiago and something healthy and green, and I’m game.

Sausage and Pepper Chipotle Grilled Cheese via Peas and Crayons

This sounds amazing. Mark and I love making sausage pistolettes (with sautéed onion and peppers), but throw it all on a grilled cheese? Even better.

.Reads.

10 Naturally-Calming Foods to Nosh On via Active Beat

Ok, I knew about turkey, turmeric, and certain types of tea, but I had no idea these other foods could help calm me. Interesting, though I’ll probably still comfort myself with chocolate when necessary.

5 Smart Reasons to Eat Eggs via Huffington Post

I’ve always loved eggs, but this just fuels my love for them even more. I had no idea about the benefits they offered during pregnancy, but now I know to listen to my cravings. Guess Mark’s not getting off that easy when it comes to cooking me egg sandwiches in the AM. 🙂

My Family Stopped Eating Sugar for a Year and This is What Happened via Yahoo

I’m not a big fan of “all or nothing” diets that take things to the extreme, but there’s no denying that added sugar (I’m talking the kind added to foods like bread, tortillas, etc.) is making us fat and sick. I think sugar is fine in moderation, but this article is definitely worth a read.

Why I Wasn’t Convinced By ‘It Starts With Food’ via Better With Sprinkles

While I haven’t read it for myself (and haven’t considered eating a Paleo or “Whole 30” type diet), I really appreciated Sam’s honest review of this book. As noted above, I believe just about anything is good in moderation, and having read her review, I don’t believe I’ll ever be interested in such a way of eating.

Gifts of Normalcy via Kenzie Life

I love reading Alex’s thoughtful posts; I almost always can relate. Spring is one of my favorite times of year, for the perfect weather, the vibrant colors of nature, and for the feelings of renewal and rebirth that are always brought to mind. Each one of us could use a reminder to live in the moment, believe that the Universe is on our side, and appreciate both the normalcy and extraordinary challenges in our lives.

The Serious Health Concerns All 20-Somethings Should Know About via Greatist

It scares me how the diagnosis of autoimmune disease seems to have skyrocketed over the years. Everybody should be aware of them and know their common symptoms.

8 Ways Yoga Makes Us Better Human Beings via Active Beat

I believe it, 100%. Oh, how I miss my yoga, though I have managed to carry some of the lessons, emotions, and relaxation techniques with me in my daily routine.

30 Convincing Reasons to Start Running Now via Greatist

My biggest reason? Because I can. The beauty of running is that you don’t have to be a super-fit athlete to do it; start small, even if it’s running for a solid 30 seconds and alternating walking. (Although #5, “Eat more carbs” is pretty convincing, too.)

Myths and Facts: Exercising While Pregnant via US News

This is an older article (2012), but I found it helpful nonetheless. I’m sure some people may frown upon my activity level during pregnancy, but if I ever felt unwell or that I was doing damage to the baby, I’d immediately stop. It’s true, “everything you’re doing for you, you’re doing for the baby.”

10 Tips for Surviving a Summer Pregnancy via Pop Sugar

At first, realizing I’d experience a summer pregnancy filled me with dread, but the more I thought about it, the more excited I got. Sure, it will be unbearably hot in the humid Gulf South while I’m feeling more like a whale than a human, but at least I can wear cute, lightweight dresses and skirts instead of fitting my pregnant belly into a bulky sweater. Summer clothes are cheaper and more comfortable, and I can always crank up the AC, purchase a fan/spritzer to carry around, and drink smoothies and frozen “mocktails” all day if I want. Plus, I’ll have the baby in October, just when the weather is turning cool again, which will be perfect for light exercise (like walking).