Wednesday wasn’t as terrible as I thought it would be. I couldn’t sleep though and woke-up at like 3:40am. I had my Comparative Politics midterm at 8am, which ended up being the easiest thing ever! 25 multiple-choice and then pick 1 of 3 essay questions and fill the back of the last page on the exam. I finished in less than 20 minutes (first one done!). Everyone looked at me when I go up, but, I knew my stuff 😉 I also had the first baby pig dissection in lab that night.
I walk into lab, the blinds are closed, it’s hot, and smells. On the tables were bits of….”animal”. From a distance, the pig looked like a sad fake tan/white/pale mummy baby. (Haha!) In this first lab (of 3) we have to open up each region of the body (mouth, neck, chest, and digestive system. Really, I wanted to just get it over with. My partner was less then willing to do any of the actual work, so I took the lead. I (ME!), did all the stabbing, cutting, and yes…ripping with my hands! If you just turn your mind off, it isn’t so bad, but after the first hour, it got to be to much and I was just done. I won’t get too gory, but I left smelling of death or formaldehyde (also having touched things you should never touch. Think intestines, hearts, stomachs, etc.). Next week it’s on to the veins and arteries…what a joy 😛
Now, as I try to erase all that from my mind, you can flood your own mind with these great posts and pins from the week! Happy Friday! XOXO
Monday: Fruity Cauliflower Rice
Tuesday: Those Days You Can’t Forget
Wednesday:Â What To Avoid With A Soy Allergy
Blog Posts and Links I loved this week:
Life, Mind, Body, Spirit:
+ Kindness Doesn’t Always Scream
It’s the subtle things that can have the greatest impact.
I feel this way too.
Yes. It is. We aren’t perfect and we don;t have to pretend.
+ Without Apologies: The Essence Of Being You
You are perfect as you are. Strengths, quirks, weaknesses…everything!
+ Things I Need My Daughter To Know
Yes, yes, yes!
That’s what we all want, right?
+ 12 Totally Unexpected Ways To De-Stress
Love these!
+ 4 Important Lessons From Joanne RowlingÂ
Smart woman!
Every life is a beautiful story.
Be sensitive, open, quiet, it’s all beauty.
Yea…words to hurt.
Fitness:
+ How To Crush A Half-Marathon (In 13.1 Easy Steps!)
Future goal for sure 😉
+ 5 Ways To Train Smarter Before Training Harder
It’s not always about crazy intensity.
+ 5 Reasons I Gave Up On Cardio
I don’t believe in ever being a cardo junkie!
+ How Yoga Became A $27 Billion Industry – And Reinvented American Spirituality
This is an old article and super long, but it was a great read!
Food:
+ A Cheese “Product” Gains Kids’ Nutrition Seal
How could I not link this! I’m still so disgusted.
Great thoughts on the above issue!
+ 5 Foods You Should Never Eat
Yea, that’s pretty solid.
+ Stop Labeling Fat As “Good” And “Bad”
Great look at an essential macro-nutrient!
+ 9 Myths About Plant-Based Diets
Let’s put these all to rest!
What is it to you?
+ 6 New Ways To Top Your Oatmeal
These combos are insane!
+ The Best &Â Worst Canned Tuna In The US Based On Sustainability
Know your tuna, folks!
Health:
+ Q & A: GMOs And Managing Busyness
Robyn was spot on with the GMOs and I loved her “tips” on busyness!
+ 10 Simple Ideas To Heal Your Digestion Naturally
Great tips that are real!
+ 21 Things Your Should Never Say To People Who Are Actually Gluten-Free
Yea…please don’t!
I say toss it!
+ The Worst Health Mistakes People Are Still Making
Interesting and super valid!
+ 7 Tips For Dealing With Life If You Can’t Afford A Therapist
You can take some simple actions yourself!
+ Figuring Out Fitness & Nutrition: Embracing “You Do You”
Really, this is all you have to do!
Blogging, Social Media, Tech & Photography:
+ 50+ Blogs And Marketing Sites You Need To Be Reading
Omg! If you have time….go through these!
+ 5 Twitter Apps You Won’t Believe You Survived Without
O! I didn’t even know about these!
+ Simple Tips For Taking Better Pictures
Simple and to the point!
+ 30 Creative Tasks To Complete On Your Blog (When You’re Not Blogging)
The work simply is never complete!
+ Negativity Online: An Essay Inspired By 200,000 Comments
All bloggers should read this.
+ How To Deal With Trolls, Haters, And Copycats
If you haven’t encountered them yet…you are one lucky duck!
+ 9 Mistakes Every Blogger Should Avoid
And you’ve probably (or will) make them.
Are you keeping the most important commodity in mind?
+ Food Photography: 7 Tips For Instagram
I think some are just gifted….or have no life 😛
+ 10 Ways To Make Your Blog Content Stronger
I’m all about #3…as you can tell 😉
+ How To Decide Which Opinions & Criticism Matter To You
It all depends on you and your values.
Other:
Moms simply are the best. You can never thank them for all they do.
+ 15 Body Language Blunders Successful People Never Make
Don’t do it!
+ 17 Signs You Have The Coolest Mom In The World
Well, do you?
+ 36 Ways You’re Messing Up Your Child
Watch out parents! Haha!
+ The Insanity Of Goody Bags And Thank You Cards
The worst! Omg! Haha!
+ Living In A Technology Crazy Over Processed World
I do wish we could go back to some simpler times.
+ How Does London Vocabulary Compare With US English?
Haha! Why would you call a sandwich a butty? That’s gross!
+ 10 High-Paying Jobs You Can Get Without Going To Grad School
I guess I should go into marketing and sales…
Favorite Pins:
(Follow me on Pinterest – RebeccaGF666)
Sprouted Lentil Rice Burgers. This is everything I want in a veggie burger!
Honey Sriracha Glazed Salmon Bites. These bites would be perfect in so many dishes!
Oil-Cured Black Olive + Smashed Garlic Pizza with Herby Oregano “Parm”. This may be the greatest vegan pizza…
Chocolate Lava Mug Cake. You know how I feel about my mug cakes!
Beetbutter. It’s macadamia nut butter with beets!
Raspberry & Sage Ice Cream. Doesn’t that combo sound heavenly?
Chocolate Chip Chia Seed Granola Bars. I love chia seeds…and chocolate, obviously!
Protein Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread. Yea, I have no words….
Crispy Sweet Potato & Spinach Gnocchi with Fresh Garlic Tomato Sauce. That is one perfect dinner dish!
Chocolate Chip with Quinoa and Almond Butter. I think these may be the perfect cookies!
A few things I loved about my week or am grateful for:
+ Midterms are all over and not it really is just that final push!
+ I won the Sunwarrior Challenge with this recipe and will be featured throughout their social media and new cookbook!
So tell me:
+ How are you going to “ring in the Spring”?
+ Are you the leader or follower when doing group projects?
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Stay connected: Facebook: Strength and Sunshine Twitter: @RebeccaGF666 Instagram: rebeccagf666 Pinterest: RebeccaGF666 Bloglovin’: Strength and Sunshine Google+: Rebecca Pytell
SARAH J says
March 23, 2015 at 1:40 pmPopping over from Monday Madness =) What a nice weekly round up =) That raspberry sage ice cream does look good, that’s what brought me over.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 23, 2015 at 1:41 pmThanks!
jo says
March 22, 2015 at 6:02 amYour blog is so pretty! Jo x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 22, 2015 at 7:59 amHaha, thanks!
alyssa says
March 21, 2015 at 9:31 pmWoah, thanks for sharing all these great posts! I need to sit and read them all now!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 22, 2015 at 4:34 amYes!
Casey @ Casey the College Celiac says
March 21, 2015 at 8:30 pmFirst of all, “ring in the spring” just makes me laugh because my college has a saying of “ring by spring” since most girls end up engaged by the spring of senior year…gulp XD
But, really, I’m welcoming the spring with lots of nana ice cream and runs/walks outdoors! Yay!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 22, 2015 at 8:01 amWhat!? Isn’t that like 1950s?
I love being able to go outside again!!
Katherine says
March 21, 2015 at 4:35 pmI’ve just caught up reading your blog, and I think it’s safe to say that I’m obsessed with it. You share the BEST links that inevitably make me avoid doing my homework, and your happy attitude and fitness inspiration have got me feeling so motivated! Thank you for brightening my day cutie 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 21, 2015 at 7:10 pmAw, thank you so much my dear friend! XOXO Sometimes blog reading is a much better thing to do than homework 😉 I know the feeling all to well, hahaha! I hope you’re having an amazing weekend!
rachel says
March 21, 2015 at 2:25 pmAnother great round up of links! Thanks for sharing. And for those recipes… those photos look AMAZING… and I need to try my hand in the kitchen on a few of them! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 21, 2015 at 3:10 pmGo at it! That’s what the weekends for 😉
Margaux says
March 21, 2015 at 5:41 amYay! Thanks for including the burgers! 😀 Also, I’m going to dedicate next week to reading through every link but I always love the blogging section because it can get so intricate, which I love.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 21, 2015 at 7:11 amHaha, you’re welcome and so happy you are loving this weeks links! XOXO
Kimberly/TheLittlePlantation says
March 21, 2015 at 4:36 amWOW! Thanks so, so much for featuring my beetbutter recipe. I’m super honoured 🙂
I can’t believe this list. It’s A-mazing. So much love and care that’s gone into everything you’ve put together.
Thanks so much for sharing these awesome links, I’m gonna go check out that lentil burger. Yum.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 21, 2015 at 7:13 amIt looks incredible! Actually everything you make looks incredible! I found you on instagram last week and I’m loving everything!
XOXO thank you dear! These posts are a labor of love!
Liv @ Healthy Liv says
March 20, 2015 at 11:04 pmSo glad your midterm went well! And THAT right there is why I wouldn’t make it through a bio lab. I’m such an animal lover and it just skeeves me out. In high school, I always volunteered to be the note taker in lab groups to get out of having to do the gory work that the other people were fighting over- haha! And wow, so many awesome links that I don’t even know where to start!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 21, 2015 at 8:01 amI was so happy I got out of dissection in high school! (I think I was out taking my driver’s test on of the days!) But this one couldn’t and still will not be avoided! Ugh! It will be over soon enough….just gotta numb myself!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens says
March 20, 2015 at 10:15 pmOoooh, I remember dissecting things. Definitely not a pleasant experience! I also remember exams… I got really good at them, even though studying for them was pretty stressful. Glad I have moved on to another fun things since then 😉 Can’t wait to read all of these! And I am going to ring in spring by being outside in the sunshine! Happy Friday 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 21, 2015 at 8:03 amThe great thing is, I barely had to study! If you pat attention in class, then….you should never have a problem! (expect when it comes to economics, hahaha!)
Alyssa @ Simply Quinoa says
March 20, 2015 at 10:11 pmOkay you had to dissect a pig!? Yikes, not sure I could handle that one! And as always your links are awesome – the recipes you’ve featured this week? Holy yum! I’ve GOT to try those sprouted lentil burgers (and obvi the quinoa cookies too). Hope you have a great weekend! xx
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 21, 2015 at 8:05 amHaha, I had to put in tons of pretty food to get the images that are now seared into my mind from that dissection OUT of my mind!
Nikki Frank-Hamilton says
March 20, 2015 at 7:50 pmThanks for all the great links, you are a voracious reader! And of some great blogs I might add. Congrats on the exam and on rockin’ the pig! I had to dissect a cat, now I am a dog lover, but this was a bit rough. No one else on my team would jump in either, so I took the lead…me, the girl who hates to touch raw meat! LOL
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 21, 2015 at 8:07 amI feel you! We’ve gotta do what we’ve gotta do sometimes! It’s college and I’m not wasting my education!
Farrah says
March 20, 2015 at 6:30 pmAnatomy was/is actually one of my favorite subjects, although most of the dissections I’ve done are on humans. 😡 I might just be weird, haha. I didn’t necessarily enjoy all the cutting/stabbing/bone-crunching, but I loved learning about how everything worked + was put together!
Great links, as always! I’m looking forward to checking out the de-stressing one, and I lovelovelove the “how to be happy” one!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 7:42 pmI can not even imagine….I gave up those dreams of med school when I realized how much I just hate when people cough! Hahahahaha!
Erlene says
March 20, 2015 at 4:10 pmWe had cats to dissect :-/…not my favorite day. Anyway, you had some really great reads. The beetbutter is something totally different and something I’ve never seen before. Will have to check that out and some of your blogging reads too.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 4:51 pmOmg! That’s….scary :O
A savory veggie filled nut butter! It’s so cool!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
March 20, 2015 at 3:01 pmOh man. I remember having to do dissections. That smell! Thanks for the trip down memory lane and for these great links!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 4:55 pmHahaha! I couldn’t get the small off me! I’m convinced I’m still getting whiffs of it days later!
Tina Muir says
March 20, 2015 at 2:12 pmSo many great links Rebecca! I love how varied you make this every week. Beet butter! That has my name all over it 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 2:34 pmI try to give something for EVERYONE!
I know! That stuff looks killer!
Very Erin says
March 20, 2015 at 2:08 pmYay Comparative Politics! That was like half of my college career lol.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 2:34 pmHaha, it’s a topic I love!
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats says
March 20, 2015 at 1:52 pmI seriously want to sit at my computer all day and read ALLLLLL of these. Congrats on having an easy exam and pig dissection under your belt! I am sure you won’t forget that!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 1:57 pmHaha! I love providing procrastination for you all 😉
Thank you! And…it isn’t over! There is still more of that dissection!
Tianna says
March 20, 2015 at 11:52 amthanks for all the links, as always, and the delicious recipes! Your lab final sounds horrible lol you have more guts than me!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 12:04 pmIt’s not a final, haha! And we have to work with it 3 more times….so gross!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
March 20, 2015 at 11:31 amFirst let me say -go you for taking the project for what it was and just getting through your lab! You rock chick!! Second, oh my gosh, I have like 50 tabs open now!! Love all of this, and those pinterest pictures, I’m swooning (esp. that salmon covered with sriracha – gorgeous!). Well I certainly won’t be bored today 🙂 Thanks for sharing and enjoy your weekend!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 11:37 amI can’t wait to it’s totally over! EKH!
Haha, you can never be bored reading the Finisher!
And have a happy weekend too!
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says
March 20, 2015 at 11:26 amSo much good content here! It’s going to take me forever to read al this.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 11:36 amHaha, thank you Jen 😉 You have ALL weekend 😉
Linda @ Veganosity says
March 20, 2015 at 11:23 amI really don’t know why universities and high schools still dissect dead animals when there are so many valid alternatives that the school can use over and over. I couldn’t and wouldn’t do it.
Great links, thank you. I particularly liked the one about body language. My husband has mentored several college students who are looking for a job in the financial industry. One of the things he always counsels them on is body language, how to dress for success, and how to interview. He’s always amazed by how much those kids haven’t been taught. Each and every one of the kids he’s advised have been hired by great companies and they’ve all sent him thank you notes. I also like the one about the coolest mom, because of course, my kids think I am. 😉
Have a great weekend and congrats on finishing your mid-terms.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 11:29 amI know and since this is a bio for non-majors…..it’s annoying.
I am a big stickler for “first impressions” and body language! If you don’t have a firm handshake and look me in the eye….I love respect right away!
Moms are pretty cool people 😉
And THANK YOU!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says
March 20, 2015 at 11:09 amI haven’t clicked through to check out the article yet, but the “what’s normal eating to you” really struck me. I get a bit worn on people preaching the “best” diet for all and on the opposite end of the spectrum, those who ridicule or “get annoyed” with people whose bodies do best with free-from foods.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 11:25 amAll I know is eating is different for everyone and there is no “one-best’way” or “normal way”.
Nichole says
March 20, 2015 at 10:34 amI’m glad your exam went good!! :)) I am intrigued by the protein cinnamon roll banana bread…say what?!?! Lol I feel like I began to “ring in spring” last weekend when Billy and I went fishing on Sunday. It was a gorgeous afternoon and instead of just getting home from practice and staying inside I called him to see if he wanted to go out and enjoy the day. I really just want to start getting out on the nice days – it’s been a long winter cooped up!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 11:32 amThank you!!!
Seriously, last weekend was more “Spring” than this one is turning out to be! Crazy Mother Nature!
Lora says
March 20, 2015 at 10:29 amThank you so much for including me! 🙂
I am now ridiculously hungry btw. That sweet potato gnocchi! And that lentil burger. AND the chocolate mug cake. OH MY!!!!!
Happy SPRING! :
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 11:33 amSo welcome, friend!
Haha, these posts tend to do that to people 😉
Rachel @ My Urban Oven says
March 20, 2015 at 10:17 amThat gnocchi and the quinoa cookies look fantastic! Way to rock your quiz- I am glad I am past those days!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 11:34 amQuiz? Haha, no! It was a full on midterm!
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit says
March 20, 2015 at 9:55 amCongrats on the Sunwarrior Challenge!!! That’s is awesome 😀
Yikes pig dissection! Now I remember why I switched majors freshman year…the sciences aren’t for me!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 11:35 amThank you Natalie! XOXO
Science is a core requirement…this was just a bio for non-majors, lol!
Lisa @ RunWiki says
March 20, 2015 at 8:43 amI can’t imagine and really don’t want to… the baby pig situation. You are a strong, brave girl! I get faint just talking about things like that. Don’t you love when you know your material so well, you fly through an exam? Great job !
I am so very honored that you enjoyed not one but two of my posts this week. We have that connection. This sounds crazy, but some of my best friends are bloggers. Is that possible? Some say that you really don’t know someone unless you are face to face with them, and I understand why they say that… there is a lot to people…more than what their blog says about them. I know that’s true for me, but I feel that I have found a small group of friends who understand the deeper part of me, because that’s what I write about. Thank you for supporting these posts. Sometimes it’s tough to hit publish, but knowing that it resonates with someone else makes it all worth it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 9:23 amI seriously just had to shut my brain off and become numb to it….but again, that only worked for so long. EK!
Yes Lisa! Those deeper posts (the ones I love), if you feel a connection to those, then it is like actually being face-to-face with someone. I can feel what you’re trying to get across and that’s the beauty of it. It isn’t just typed words in a post, but “speaking” to one another through the soul.
XOXOXOXO
Lisa @ RunWiki says
March 20, 2015 at 12:29 pmLove you! xo
Katie says
March 20, 2015 at 8:34 amTons of great Pins and Blogs! I would love for you to come link up on my blog for the first Friday Favorites Link up!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 9:24 amO cool! I hope it does well!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
March 20, 2015 at 8:19 amLoved so many of these! So funny about the goody bag one because I specifically slack on those and thank you notes when it comes to my kids’ parties and always feel like a crappy mom! I think I’m rebelling for those reasons! Also with the Kraft singles, they should list every nasty ingredient in bold capitals next to the “kids eat right” thing! That’s insane to me and really irresponsible.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 9:18 amScrew the cards and plastic stupid junk!
Maybe we should just send those Kraft singles in goodie bags with thank you notes to the people who approved that measure’s children 😉
Ruth Bloch says
March 20, 2015 at 8:16 amYeppp all that food is amazing. Like really REALLY amazing. I’m gonna be trying some…Also I kinda feel with dissection that its the same as cutting up raw meat…if you can get over the dissecting bit…its not really so different!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 9:17 amNo, it’s different….very different! haha!
Min says
March 20, 2015 at 8:11 amYeaa….definitely remember the pig dissection lab. The professor gave us the opportunity to take the pig home with us if we wanted to study further. I thought that was the most disgusting idea, but apparently my roomie thought it was the best idea ever! Ugh…Anyway, so many wonderful links here once again! I tend to be in the middle somewhere when it comes to working in a group. I don’t want to take charge out of fear that I’ll become too overbearing but then again I don’t want to just go with the flow haha. A happy balance 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 9:16 amEw! We have ours bagged with chemicals and fabric softener for next week….I guess they keep them in the fridge :O But we were told to take pictures if we wanted (to help study for our practical quiz next week), or just use online resources…which I’m doing. There was no way I was touching my phone with all that “juice” on my hands! Haha!
I need things done correctly and quickly, so I don’t care if I take charge. I need to 😉
Emily @My Healthyish Life says
March 20, 2015 at 7:25 amI just restocked on chia seeds and those granola bars look awesome! Glad that test was easy for you. It’s always a good feeling to confidently turn in an exam.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
March 20, 2015 at 7:31 amI always seem to have a never ending supply of chia seeds! Haha! I must not use them enough 😛
It is! Haha, nothing like economics 😉