Hi there. I hope everybody is having a fantastic weekend. Ours was low-key, just the way we like it. We went out for lunch at Butch Cassidy’s on Saturday, did some grocery shopping, and made personal naan bread pizzas to share with my parents since we haven’t visited them in a while. The baby survived his first week of daycare relatively unscathed (he cried at drop-off on Friday, but the first several days were really good!), and work was typical.

Here’s what I’ve been reading the last 2 weeks.

.Recipes.

Marinated Zucchini Feta Salad With Toasted Pistachio Breadcrumbs // How Sweet It Is

Simple summertime goodness.

Browned Butter Cauliflower and Fettuccine With Parmesan // Averie Cooks

I love the versatility of cauliflower.

Red Robin Bonzai Burger {Copycat} // Crème de la Crumb

I’ve never been to Red Robin and am generally a “burger purist” (I like only the most basic of toppings), but this really looks amazing!

Glazed Lemon Blueberry Scones // Sally’s Baking Addiction

I need to try my hand at making scones. Is there a better, fresher combination than blueberries and lemon? I think not.

Crock Pot Beef Stew // Iowa Girl Eats

So, I’ve never been a fan of beef stew (it creeps me out—probably because the only version I encountered during childhood was of the canned variety), but this looks pretty good. Mark and I plan to incorporate more slow-cooker recipes into our routine to save on time, so why not start here?

.Health & Nutrition.

When Cancer Triggers (Or Hides) An Eating Disorder // New York Times

This isn’t something I’ve ever thought about, but I can see how cancer treatment—rapid weight loss, nausea, loss of appetite and energy, etc.—would trigger or worsen underlying issues regarding body image/control. How tragic that some women (and men) undergo life-saving treatments only to become lost in other life-threatening behaviors as a result.

Amenorrhea Talk // The Cookie ChRUNicles

I didn’t even know what hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) was until I started reading healthy living blogs. This condition is so prevalent, it seems, among young, “fit” (quotation marks because how fit can you be if your body shuts down?) women, and while it’s a sensitive subject, sometimes being blunt is necessary. EAT. Give your body the calories it needs to function and thrive.

.Body Image & Fitness.

This Is the Brutally Honest Body Image Lesson That Should Be Taught in School // Greatist

Such good points & advice!

Exercise Is Not Punishment. I Repeat. Exercise Is Not Punishment // Lindsay’s List

Amen. I cringe when I hear somebody say “I have to work this ___ off.” Sometimes during a workout I feel like I’m being punished, but before and after, I am grateful for my body and its abilities—and for endorphins.

.Marriage & Parenting.

5 Things To Expect When You’re No Longer Expecting // The Lunchbox Diaries

I love this girl’s honesty and humor. It’s all true.

What It Really Means To Be a Little Boy’s Mama // Babble

Old post, but still a good one. <3

Our Marriage Is Stronger Because My Husband Isn’t My Best Friend // Verily

I love this. But in marriage, we shouldn’t want another shade of friendship. There is a magic to marriage. Marriage gives us a noble purpose, a relationship to protect and nurture, and new responsibilities to contend with together. That’s why my spouse isn’t my best friend; he’s my husband, and that’s so much better.