Hi! Upon writing this, I realized I haven’t blogged since last Weekly Links post. Oops! It’s been a busy week, so I’m just going to blame it on that.

This weekend was a good one. My in-laws stayed with us Friday night, we had Baby M’s baptism on Saturday, and today we cooked breakfast and relaxed around the house watching Boyhood. He was a bit fussy (ok, a lot fussy!) during the baptism, but he hadn’t napped for a long time. Poor thing was a trooper even though he had a rough afternoon and night, too. I think he napped less than 2 hours total!

Now we’re just chilling, sipping some wine, and watching the Oscars. Have a great Sunday night and enjoy some reads.

.Recipes.

Gluten Free Breakfast Pizza With Hash Brown Crust via Iowa Girl Eats

Would you believe I’ve never had breakfast pizza before? This looks like the perfect weekend breakfast, though!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pot via How Sweet It Is

Everything Jessica makes is something I would eat…by the BOWLFUL. This is no exception!

Peanut Butter Streusel Oatmeal Bars via Tastes of Lizzy T

Peanut butter and oats are two of my favorite things, too…yum!

Open-Faced Salmon and Avocado BLTs via Confections of a Foodie Bride

If Mark and I ever work up the courage to cook salmon again (it can’t be that difficult!), I will have to try these.

Single-Serving Fudge Cake via Yeah…Imma Eat That

Oooh—desserts for one are my favorite (because who likes to share?). Especially if they’re fudgy and chocolaty!

.Food & Nutrition.

Death To The Chicken Finger via National Post

Sadly, I was that picky child whose mother fixed her separate meals quite often (not pointing fingers here—I’m grateful my mom cared enough to get me to eat something). Still, I do not want Baby M to grow up this way. Food is one of my passions, and I want him to have a diverse palette from a young age. I know it’s easier said than done, but I hope to introduce him to a wide variety of vegetables and fruits when he starts eating solids so that he doesn’t become that picky child I was. Don’t we owe our children better than leftover chicken pieces, “beige foods,” and carb-heavy kiddie meals?

.Body Image.

Jeans and Genes: On How I Learned To Love My Body via The Healthy Maven

A great post from Davida. You know, it wasn’t until reading this that I thought about loving and embracing certain quirky parts of our bodies because they’ve been passed on through our genes. Whether it’s a prominent nose, a wide smile, long piano fingers, it’s something that ties us to our history.

Talking About Weight Loss Affects Our Children via Huffington Post

Children are like sponges—enough said.

The Dangers of the Appearance-Driven Diet via The Atlantic

This is interesting and probably accurate, but to think that this revelation will change the diet industry is laughable. Promising would-be dieters “you, too, can look like this!” is how they make their money over and over again.

A Little Bit Rant-y via The Lunchbox Diaries

I’m so glad somebody posted what I’ve been thinking since seeing this preview.

.Mental Health.

The Upside of Feeling Bad via Mind Body Green

Very true. I fully believe you have to “choose” happiness rather than expect it to come from others, but nobody is happy all the time. To truly be happy and fulfilled, you have to embrace and learn from the “bad” times, too.

.Fitness.

I Joined The Gym—Now What? via The Cookie ChRUNicles

This is me. I was a member at Planet Fitness for over a year and probably went to the gym 6 times. Of those times, I ran on the elliptical and maybe used some leg machine on 3 different occasions. I need to get past being intimidated and ask for help if I ever join another gym (which I’d like to do).

.Parenting.

Should You Bring Your Unborn Baby To Work? via The Atlantic

A fascinating (and fairly long) read.

A Bittersweet Goodbye To Breastfeeding via Huffington Post

Not going to lie, this made me a little teary-eyed. As painful as those first weeks were and as frustrating as pumping can get, I’m so grateful I chose to breastfeed. It’s an amazing gift and bond.

To The Mom Who Didn’t Breastfeed via Scary Mommy

And here’s a different—but equally true—perspective on breastfeeding. You’re a good mother because you love your baby and would do anything for him/her not because, or in spite of, how you chose to feed your child.

A Yogi’s Secret To Thriving During Motherhood via Mind Body Green

These are good lessons; while I think my yoga practice helped during pregnancy, I never thought about applying it to motherhood, too!