I hope everybody (who celebrates) has had a beautiful Easter surrounded by family, friends, and good food.

Our Easter was lovely. We went to mass at St. Joseph Chapel at Spring Hill College and had an early dinner at my parents later in the afternoon. Now we’re just relaxing in front of the TV.

Before we jump back into the work week, I have some links to share.

.Recipes.

Chipotle Pulled Portobello Sandwiches with Feta Cilantro Topping via The Artful Desperado

This sandwich can’t be real. It just can’t. I love some pulled pork, but really, this looks every bit as delicious in its veggie glory. If only I can convince the husband to try this.

White Chocolate Funfetti Blondies via Love & Olive Oil

These are soooo pretty and spring-like. And I imagine they’re quite delicious, too.

Italian White Bean Loaf via Clean Eating Veggie Girl

Meatloaf used to make me cringe, but I’ve grown fond of the taste and texture. Nevertheless, I prefer faux bean-based “meatloaf” better than the real stuff. White beans are one of my favorites, so I think this would be wonderful.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Dough Dip via Chocolate Covered Katie

I’m still skeptical about sweet bean-based dips, but this looks and sounds amazing. Oatmeal raisin cookies don’t measure up to chocolate chip (in my opinion), but they are still delicious in their own right, especially in dough form.

Greek Stuffed Deviled Eggs via The Edible Perspective

For some reason, I just am not a fan of the traditional deviled eggs, but these—with the feta, olives, and sundried tomatoes—are certainly intriguing. I might have to try them.

.Reads.

Can Wal-Mart Really Make Organic Food Cheap For Everyone? via NPR

I know many families are able to afford groceries because of Wal-Mart, but at the same time I don’t feel comfortable shopping there regularly. Every now and then, though, I have had to run in their grocery section when in a bind, and I’m actually quite impressed by their produce. The reason I usually buy conventional produce instead of organic is because of cost, and while I don’t agree with Wal-Mart’s hyper-agressive process of driving down prices (from an ethical standpoint; from a business standpoint, they’re geniuses), I did find this article and the goal to make organic products more affordable worth reading.

Are Big Macs Killing the Bees? via Mind Body Green

Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is quite frightening, and I’m surprised we don’t hear or read about it more often in the news.

Why It’s Time to Stop Blaming the Media for Body Image Disorders via Greatist

I get the point of this article. Not everybody who has issues with his/her body or dieting is mentally ill. Body dysmorphic disorder, anorexia, etc. are diagnosable mental illnesses that arise because of genetics and upbringing (trauma or other personal experiences), and while the media is responsible for shoving airbrushed images in our faces night and day (and making many of us feel pretty self-conscious and unhappy with our appearances), it can’t be the cause of true eating or body disorders.

How Being a Doctor Became the Most Miserable Profession via The Daily Beast

Combine this reality with American patients’ lack of understanding of preventative care, eating well, and taking care of our bodies, and U.S. healthcare is pretty much screwed. This isn’t acceptable and is one of the reasons I have endless respect for anybody entering the medical field.

Voodoo Dolls Prove It: Hunger Makes Couples Turn On Each Other via NPR

I caught the end of this segment on the way to work Tuesday, and I thought it was really interesting. I know I’ve been “hangry” a time or two before, and it’s never pretty!

10 Tips → How to make it through your long run via The Hungry Runner Girl

Ok, the most I’ve ever run is 5 miles, but these are really good tips regardless. I’ve found I actually prefer no music while running because I can hear my feet hit the pavement and focus more on my surroundings and how I feel. I do repeat mantras in my head when I feel myself slowing or wanting to stop, and I often break up the run into smaller segments. So much of running is mental!

Runners’ Confessions: The Real Deal on Cheese Dip and other Secret Reasons We Run via BrookKreder.com

Haha. Pretty much any movement—be it running, yoga, just getting out of bed—is because of the promise of food, but I’d say pride—and getting out of my head, chair, etc.—is just as important a reason, too. And running is somewhat fun (though cocktails and pizza are infinitely better).

My Year At A Standing Desk And Why I’ll Never Go Back via Fast Company

I actually found this article by way of another blogger’s Weekly Reads post, but since I’m adamant about moving during the day and have tried (and failed) to create a make-shift standing desk at work, I thought it was worth sharing with my readers (all 6 of you, haha). Maybe pregnancy isn’t the time for me to revisit the standing desk idea (what with possible swelling and such), but you better believe I’ll try to craft one again post-maternity leave. Until then, I’ll continue to walk around every hour or so and stand while blogging at home.

Have a fantastic week, everyone! 🙂