Happy Sunday, friends!

Today will be spent running errands, relaxing, and enjoying a backyard barbecue with my husband and dad. While my mom is out of town, we thought we’d be nice and feed my dad at least one night.

I hope everybody’s weekend is going well. Yesterday Mark and I ate lunch at Spring Hill and took Iggy on a short (it was HOT!!!) walk around campus before doing some grocery shopping and cleaning/purging the guest bedroom closet. I’d wanted to go to the beach, but I did NOT want to fight the traffic and crowds at the Florabama for the free Kenny Chesney concert. Too many people for me!

Before I go, I leave you with some weekend reading.

.Recipes.

Watermelon Salsa via Coordinately Yours

This looks so fresh, summery, sweet, and perfect. And the colors! My mouth is watering…

Black Bean Enchiladas via Imma Eat That

I’ve never been an enchilada fan, but something about black beans and squash appeals to me. This seems like it might be a good freezer recipe, too (for making before Baby M arrives).

Matcha Cheesecake Bars via Devour

I have a barely-used bag of this same matcha in the cupboard (barely used because I prefer coffee over tea and don’t want to over-do it with the caffeine, not because I didn’t enjoy the product), and I love me some cheesecake (especially no-bake). These sound like a winner.

Hummus Gazpacho via Kitchen Treaty

Since I could (and have) eat hummus with a spoon, why not try it in soup form?

Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies via Inside BruCrew Life

I love how easy these seem (I am NOT above store-bought mixes), and they’re just soooo chocolaty!

.Health & Wellness.

Why it really is harder for women to lose weight via The Washington Post

There definitely seems to be a lot of truth to this, though it shouldn’t be discouraging to those who are trying to lose weight.

.Food & Nutrition.

Your Guide to Getting Your Vitamins from Food via Huffington Post

A helpful graphic…

Are Egg Whites or Whole Eggs Healthier? via Huffington Post

If you’re one of those people who eats egg-white omelets, then I’m sorry for offending you, but: egg whites are garbage! Just eat whole eggs, for crying out loud. The yolk has so much nutrition (and it just tastes better).

.Body Image & Mental Health.

Why the ‘Real Woman’s’ Body Image Debate Is All Wrong via elephant journal

I agree with much of this. While seeing bare-faced and un-photoshopped women of all sizes is a vast improvement from being bombarded with airbrushed super models, it does still objectify our bodies. Plus, am I the only one who sees an “empowering” image of a gorgeous girl without makeup and still manages to feel negatively because I don’t look that good without some mascara and lipgloss? It’s fine to enjoy looking beautiful and striving to better our appearance, but we have to remember our bodies don’t define us.

Why Is Mental Illness Such A Stigmatized Condition? via Huffington Post

A good read, with a good point. Until we treat mental illness, particularly depression and substance abuse, the same as we do other “more acceptable” illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, etc., then we will continue to see too many preventable deaths and tragedies.

Robin Williams didn’t die from a disease, he died from his choice via The Matt Walsh Blog

Before you get angry and state “what an idiot!” because of the insensitive title (like I almost did), do read this post with an open mind. I ultimately disagree with Walsh (and definitely disagree with a lot of his other blog posts), but he makes some great points and does seem to be sympathetic to those suffering from severe depression. My main disagreement with him is his assumption that anybody can be cured 100% into making the “right” choice (e.g., life); I believe that therapy, medication, support from loved ones, etc. can be and are extremely helpful, but I do think that some people are so sick that they just can’t go on. It’s difficult to understand if you’ve never been at that lowest of low points (fortunately, I haven’t, so I just have to be as empathetic as possible). What we need to agree on is that depression and other mental illness are real, life-threatening diseases (affecting all walks of life) that should be taken seriously, de-stigmatized, and given the attention they deserve.

There’s Nothing Selfish About Suicide via Huffington Post

“People who say that suicide is selfish always reference the survivors. […] What they don’t know is that those very loved ones are the reason many people hang on for just one more day.” This is a great article, and it should be a wakeup call to all of us. Connect with others. Smile at somebody and genuinely ask about his/her day. Check in on loved ones who’ve been suffering, especially if they show any signs of suicide.

.Fitness.

The Awesome Effect Exercise Has on Your Pain Tolerance via Women’s Health

Interesting! And a good reason to continue exercising, even if it’s only a 30-minute walk or jog.

The Top 5 Reasons Your Workout Isn’t Working via Eating Bird Food

Although I’ve never followed an exercise regimen with the goal of losing weight or truly changing my body, I can definitely relate to the “workout rut” point. I’d also argue that not changing one’s diet is probably the biggest reason people don’t see any changes when they start exercising regularly and vigorously.

.Pregnancy & Parenting.

Things I Learned About Having A New Born via Healthy Tipping Point

Aww, I love this. These are great tips/things to know. And LOL at the grey shirt and father-in-law (good thing I got my free—ok, S&H only (I fall for the gimmicks)—10 pairs of breast pads in the mail yesterday!).

A Letter To My Pre-Mom Self via Coffee and Crumbs

This is a good one, too, and it left me a bit misty-eyed. “You will learn to love fiercely and wildly without expectations, and for the first time in your whole life, your heart will default to selflessness—a part of you that always existed but was buried deep down inside.”

Last Month of Pregnancy Checklist via Pregnant Chicken

I am bookmarking this for September!