Hi! I hope everybody had a nice weekend. Did you do anything special for Valentine’s Day? We’re not big on V-Day celebrations, but we did enjoy a gorgeous day at the park before picking up some dinner—an awesome fillet that the hubs cooked on his new grill—and chilling at home.

I’m a little bummed we didn’t take Baby M down to any of the Mardi Gras parades, especially since the weather was so nice, but it’s not like he’ll remember missing out just one year of his life!

Now we’re watching The Walking Dead and relaxing before heading back to work. Have a wonderful Sunday and enjoy some reading.

.Recipes.

Cake Batter Chia Pudding via Edible Perspective

A nutritious “cake batter?” Count me in.

Prosciutto Wrapped Kale & Feta Lentil Bites via Naked Cuisine

I believe that prosciutto makes anything taste good, although the other ingredients don’t need any help in my book.

Chocolate Cream Pie with Vanilla Whipped Cream via How Sweet It Is

Holy chocolate! That crust is what dreams are made of.

Maple Chipotle Sweet Potato Wedges via The Healthy Maven

It’s hard to go wrong with sweet potatoes, but I love the combination of maple + chipotle going on here!

Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars via Deliciously Yum

The perfect Valentine’s Day dessert.

.Health & Fitness.

Is The Run/Walk Method Better For Your Health? via Run Haven

Except for that one 5K where I ran the entire way, this is how I run. It will likely be the ONLY way I run.

You’re The Boss of Your Body: 5 Steps to Take Charge of Your Health via Mind Body Green

I think #5 is the most important (though you need to be educated about your body and wellness to do so).

Knowing What’s In Your Supplements via The New York Times

I don’t take many supplements (right now, just a prenatal vitamin and DHA supplement), but I’ll pay attention to these certifications in the future. In fact, instead of taking the drugstore-brand vitamins I’m taking now (I took these and these reputable vitamins during pregnancy), I might switch back to something better.

.Body Image & Mental Health.

The War on Bodies: Loving Your Body vs. Changing Your Body via Gabby’s Gluten Free

“So rather than creating a battleground, can’t we just stop waging war on bodies all together?” 

Why I’m All For Aging via barre3

This is great. While I’ve freaked out over a few grey hairs and the hint of wrinkles around my eyes, I’m not really afraid of aging, To me, aging is a gift—and it’s something far too many people don’t get to fully experience. Every year I grow older, I learn to appreciate my body and life that much more.

The “F” Word via Coffee + Crumbs

<3 this.

.Parenting.

An Open Letter To All Parents-To-Be via Huffington Post

I’ve only been a parent—to one single infant—for 4 months, and I’m already nodding in agreement. But I wouldn’t change a thing…