How is it already Sunday evening? This weekend went by rapidly, to say the least. Saturday I got a hair cut and treated myself to a mani-pedi before we took our maternity pictures at the botanical gardens. Why we chose the hottest day of the summer to take pictures outside, I’ve yet to figure out, but we had a great time! The photographer was really sweet and judging by the sneak peak below, I think she did a fabulous job. I just hope the photos toward the end of the session aren’t too gross (my hair was soaked in sweat and sticking to my face!).

This morning we went to mass at St. Ignatius. We figured we might do some church shopping before Baby M arrives. Go figure both of us really liked the priest, because he was actually visiting while on sabbatical and today was his last day. Guess we’ll try again another week.

I did a little shopping with my mom this afternoon, picking up a couple of night gowns for “d-day.” I know I need to get on the ball buying nursing bras and tanks, but I feel like it’s still too early to know sizes.

And now I’m enjoying the aroma of my husband’s spaghetti and meatballs simmering away. Before I go, here’s a roundup of the recipes that made me drool and the articles that made me think this week. Happy Sunday!

 .Recipes.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting via Edible Perspective

For whatever reason, I’ve never made zucchini bread, muffins, or cake—despite the numerous recipes out there. This looks so scrumptious, that it might be my first attempt.

Boozy Coconut Hot Fudge Milkshakes via How Sweet It Is

Yum. I’m sure I could leave out the rum and be perfectly happy drinking my weight in these.

Tomato, Peach, & Burrata Salad via Two Peas and Their Pod

This is an older recipe I found through Pinterest, but it looks so summery and refreshing.

Chocolate Lava Nutella Cookies via Averie Cooks

Words are unnecessary here.

Socca for One: With Sundried Tomatoes, Kale, and Feta via Heart Beet Kitchen

I’ve heard of socca, but I’ve never made it (probably due to the fact that I’ve never purchased chickpea flour). This looks like a perfect meal, though, since I’m addicted to flatbread.

.Health & Wellness.

An Unstoppable Killer: New Research Suggests Cancer Can’t Be Eradicated via NPR

At the risk of sounding defeatist, I think this is probably true. But, that doesn’t mean that certain individual cases can’t be cured or that we should even consider reducing or stopping research. I’ve known many people personally who have beaten cancer, and I’m so proud of them and grateful for their health. Cancer can be prevented to a certain extent, and developing new, more efficient treatments should always be a priority. While I do believe that some cancers just develop for no apparent reason (it’s nature, and the bottom line is we will never 100% understand exactly how and why our bodies and environment work a certain way), I think everybody who’s diagnosed should think positively, take care of themselves, and go for the best treatment possible. Cancer survivors—and even those who ultimately succumb to the disease—are remarkable people!

.Food & Nutrition.

‘Salt Sugar Fat’ and Why Michael Moss is Right via Running On Happy

I’ve been wanting to read the book, Salt Sugar Fat, for a while now, as I’m sure it contains both legitimate truths and some hyperbole as well. There’s no denying the processed food industry has us in a choke-hold, but I will never completely stray away from some of my favorite “convenience foods” (though I will continue trying to buy the “healthier” versions of them). I’m glad this post made the point of some fats being essential to our health and also reminding us that too little salt in our diets is dangerous. And I do believe that processed foods are formulated in a way that causes addiction to them (you can’t eat just one!). All good reasons to eat foods close to their natural state when possible!

.Body Image & Mental Health.

The Gratitude Challenge: Does Expressing Thanks Every Day Make You Happier? via Huffington Post

Maybe it’s a combination of other factors, but I know I’ve felt happier since I started my “gratitude jar.”

Depression isn’t a choice but suicide is: my detailed response to the critics via The Matt Walsh Blog

In my opinion, this is a well-written response to the critics of his previous post, which I talked about last week. While his first post was certainly controversial, I think this man is sincere in his words. I think a lot of the criticism was unfounded and downright cruel, though there is always room for intelligent debate, especially on such an important topic.

.Pregnancy & Parenting.

When to Lower Your Standards via Delights and Delectables

I can relate to every word Brittany’s written (well, except for the weekly mopping habit, that’s never been an issue), and with a baby on the way, I need to put this idea into practice. No mom is or can be “super mom” and I am going to need to let go of my perfectionist tendencies big time!

Our Drug-Free Birth Plan via Healthy Tipping Point

Such great information here! I’ve already spoken to my doctor about whether I need a birth plan, how she and the hospital feel about non-emergency interventions, and how much they’ll respect my wishes while I’m in labor, but this really made me rethink (or encounter for the first time) some things. I realize that it’s highly unlikely that my labor and delivery will go 100% as I envision, but I think it’s important for a woman to feel (somewhat) in control of her body and this amazing experience. My doctor and the nursing staff know best when it comes to emergency procedures and intervention (I would never refuse medication, induction, or cesarean if it was truly necessary for Baby M’s and my health or survival), but I want the birthing experience to be memorable (in a good way) and free of unnecessary stress and anxiety. I don’t want to look back with any regrets.