If anybody was wondering, today was definitely a classic case of the Mondays. Ugh. I’m counting down the minutes till October 3^rd!

I’m a day late sharing my weekly reads, but this weekend was busy. Saturday was a lot of fun (although it was hot and I experienced the worst pregnancy-related foot swelling to date) at Baby L’s 1^st birthday party. I’m sorely disappointed that I didn’t get to ride the whale down the inflatable water slide. Silly pregnancy. Since there’s a good chance it will still be warm post-Baby M, I think my “you have a kid now—congrats!” gift should be my very own water slide and inflatable whale. 🙂

We also got to bring home a lot of baby-related things (a swing, bouncer, etc.) to use for a while. It was like Christmas morning!

Sunday ended up being quite the day. I went to my childhood church’s “homecoming”—and it was a wee bit chaotic for me! So many people and too much stimulation for this home body! It was nice to see people that I haven’t seen in years, though, and I know my mom had a good time.

Then later we ended up at the hospital emergency room—but not for me! (Baby M is still baking in my belly for now.) My dad had back surgery a few weeks ago and has been doing really well—but we think another disc may have slipped or a fragment of bone is pressing on the nerve.  After an MRI today, they’ve set him up for another surgery tomorrow morning. It’s only a tiny incision, but keep him in your thoughts!

Anyway, things could always be worse—so as of now I’m trying to think positively and stay calm so Baby M stays in there until at least October 3^rd after 5 PM!

Before I go, here are a few links that have my mouth watering and my brain ticking…

.Recipes.

Cauliflower Slaw via Smitten Kitchen

This looks like such a delicious side dish (heck, I’d eat it for a meal). I really need to start using cauliflower more often. It’s the sad, neglected vegetable in my household, even though it’s such a terrific base for all sorts of dishes.

Vegan Oatmeal Fudge Bars via Running With Spoons

Chocolate! These look incredibly decadent without being full of absolute garbage. I love how they’re no-bake, too.

Honeycrisp Salad with Crispy Sage and Maple Vinaigrette via How Sweet It Is

Now that they’re in (early) season, I need to get my hands—nay, mouth—on some Honeycrisp apples. They’re my absolute favorite, even if a small bag of them costs as much as my car note!

Loaded Baked Potato Skins via Edible Perspective

Oh, these look awesome. For whatever reason, I’ve never made my own potato skins! I need to get on that, now.

Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus via The Healthy Maven

This might take hummus to an unprecedented level. BNS = my favorite squash, and I can imagine how creamy this is! Yum.

.Food & Nutrition.

How To Eat Intuitively | A Guide To Mindful Eating via fannetastic food

A great guide on something that’s much easier said than done: eating intuitively. I try to eat whatever it is I feel like eating (some days, it’s a big salad, others, a greasy hamburger), but I will admit I struggle sometimes with emotional eating.

Diet Soda May Alter Our Gut Microbes And Raise The Risk Of Diabetes via NPR

This is so interesting. I generally avoid “diet” soda, unless it’s sweetened with stevia or something similar. I avoid sucralose, saccharin, etc. like the plague and would rather limit my intake of real sugar than resort to what I consider nasty chemicals. Luckily I’m satisfied drinking mostly water, juice, or unsweetened tea!

.Health & Wellness.

Americans’ Waistlines Are Expanding, And That’s Not Good Fat via NPR

Tell me about it! Just kidding. My waistline expansion is temporary, I hope!

.Body Image & Mental Health.

It’s Easier to Bash Our Body Than Embrace It via Big Man’s World

Arman offers some great perspective here. With pregnancy I’ve embraced and learned to appreciate my body more than ever, but I’m still victim to selfish body-bashing from time to time. Just remember what your body can DO.

Yoga & Acceptance via Fitting It All In

THIS. Clare says everything I wish I could say about how much I love and owe to Bikram yoga. Oh, and how did I miss that it’s National Yoga Awareness Month? I might have to jump in on this contest! 🙂

.Pregnancy & Parenting.

Five Reasons I Love Being Pregnant via Mini Melbs

I love this post. I feel almost exactly the same way, and I’m so grateful to have had a pleasant pregnancy. The great news? It will only get better from here. 🙂