Don’t expect much activity from me today in the blog/social media world. Why? Because this girl is NJ-bound! A day earlier then expected and I am sorta-kinda-totally pumped! This feels a bit surreal as well. My one roommate and I were talking about how “weird” it feels and how many crazy emotions have been running through our minds this past week. It feels like we just stepped foot on campus and DC. She said the smell of the stairwell was giving her major flashback to the first night we stayed here. I totally relate. This whole week felt like the first week again. Everything seemed so new and I like I was noticing everything for the first time. It may also have to do with the fact that we had tons of hours to fill and the sun has been shining, awakening everyone again from those long cold winter months when we just wanted to crawl back in bed and wait for summer.
Everything just feels “weird” right now. That’s the only word to describe it. Nothing seems normal in my life right now. This past week I spent many hours in Starbucks. Blogging, thinking, studying, and drinking….a lot of coffee and tea! But I’ve felt like I’m just floating. I don’t feel grounded, but loose and free falling. I’m not sure if it’s good or bad, but we’ll see once I get settled back in NJ.
For now, I hope you are feeling grounded, loved, and happy where ever you are! Here’s to a super sunshiney weekend and a BEAUTIFUL Mother’s Day on Sunday! I’m so excited to be able to spend it with my momma! I know seeing my face will be the greatest gift to her 😉 Haha! And I hope to cook her a fancy dinner like last year! Happy Friday friends!
MY LATEST VIDEOSMonday: Spiced Cashew Plum Rice Porridge
Tuesday:Â My Beauty Routine For Strength And Confidence
Wednesday:Â What To Avoid With Celiac Disease
Blog Posts and Links I loved this week:
Life, Mind, Body, Spirit:
Amen! They’re only “flaws” if you call them that.
+ 5 Ways To Stop Worrying About What Everyone Thinks Of You
The only thing that matters is what you think of yourself.
+ On Living With Chronic Anxiety
Wonderful ways to implement some help!
+ The Days Are Long But The Decades Are Short
Yes, and we need to focus on and do the important things.
+ In Appreciation Of A Healthy Body & Embracing The Struggle
We have to accept that things are always changing and we must do only what we can do.
+ 40 Ways To Relax In 5 Minutes Of Less
I adore all of these! Really, these are great!
+ 5 Easy Ways To Be More Likable (That You Can Try Today!)
Make people like you!
Fitness:
+ What Are The Benefits Of Practicing Backbends
One of my favorite parts of the practice <3
Love all of these, just in forearm stand instead!
Those cringe-educing article about how many calories “this many burpees” will burn off!
Food:
+ How To Build A Better Meal In A Bowl
Dinner bowls are life!
+ Vitamix, Blentec, And Breville: Which Is Right For You?
Interesting results!
+ The Ultimate Guide To Cauliflower Recipes
Just make it all!
+ What Weird Food Was Your Mom Eating?
Haha, I love this! Childhood memories of what mom would make!
+ 10 Things I Learned From Eating Meat Again
It’s okay if you make the switch back. Just do what’s right for you.
+ 19 Things You Didn’t Know About Coffee
Did you know it’s amazing? 😉
+ Vegan Options To Replace Dairy
Seriously, dairy is the easiest thing to change out!
Get the list and stock up on the goods!
+ What Making Breakfast For My Kid Has Taught Me About Better Breakfast
This is golden!
+ What Your Favorite Breakfast Cereal Says About You
Hahaha! Omg! I love this “quiz”!
Yes! This!
Health:
Great list! <3
+ The Real Reason You Don’t Need A Diet
Yes! “Dieting” does not work!
Have you ever heard of this disease?!
+ 7 Signs You’re Not Getting Enough Magnesium
This could explain some common ailments!
+ 5 Things You Shouldn’t Say To Someone With Depression
You’re not helping by saying these things.
+ Why Coffee Makes You Poop, According To A Dietitian
It can be helpful at certain times 😛
+ Why How You Feel Is More Important Than What You Way
No diets!!!!
Blogging, Social Media, Tech & Photography:
+ 31 Days Of Writing Prompts For May
One of my favorite lists! Even though I never use them 😛
+ How To Rebrand Social Media Accounts
I’m glad my blog name will always be relevant, but social handles are different though.
Living life is the most important thing you can do.
+ 20 Things To Write About When You’re Totally Stuck
Wonderful unique ideas!
+ How To Set Attainable Blogging Goals
This is mapped out great! Super simple to set some new goals!
+ Journal Prompts: Tell You Story
Great prompts for really going deep.
+ How To Use Google Keyword Planner For Your Blog
Must try this!
+ Why Choosing A Blogging Niche Will Help You Grow Your Blog
For all you “nicheless” bloggers, you may want to rethink that.
+ Favorite Plugins And Ones We No Longer Use
Some great plugins you may want to think of using.
Other:
+ My Favorite Creative Outlets
I think I’m going to start painting this summer!
+ Adult Coloring Books: Relax, Unwind, &Â Rediscover This Favorite Childhood Activity
I Love coloring! It can be so relaxing for sure!
+ Unclutter Your Life, Declutter Your Heart
when you need mass overhaul during a transitional time.
+ Watch Models Get Photoshopped For High-End Fashion Campaigns
Wow….I wish I was that good at editing and photoshop 😉
+ What I Learned My Freshman Year Of College
Okay….this is like exactly true!
Favorite Pins:
(Follow me on Pinterest – RebeccaGF666)
Quinoa and Grape Salad. Doesn’t this look divine? Perfect for Mother’s Day too!
Turmeric Tahini Banana Bread. The greatest banana bread I’ve ever seen!
Spring Veggie Tacos. I think we need to make it Taco Friday 😉
Protein Cinnamon Toast Crunch Muddy Buddies. Muddy Buddies have never tasted so good :O
Vegan Chocolate Waffle Cookies. You could easily make these GF and then…perfection!
Coconut Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Maple Rum Raisin Sauce. I think this calls for an ice cream social 😉
Caribbean Plantain & Bean Boats. Stuffed plantains!? Omg!!!!
Mango Banana Pudding Popsicles with Granola. Imagine eating these, sitting out by the pool or on the beach <3
Grilled Salmon with Pineapple and Piquillo Peppers Salsa. This just screams “fancy Summer bbq”!
Spicy Chicken Skewers with Grilled Pineapple Salsa. Or if you don’t want salmon, have this awesome chicken!
Crispy Baked Avocado Tortas. This is pure avocado love!
Banana Walnut Granola. It’s just so simple and beautiful! Look at those clusters!
A few things I loved about my week or am grateful for:
+ I went to Starbucks one morning for my normal coffee/blogging routine I’d been doing all week. Got my venti dark. Then I left did some stuff, and came back into the city a few hours alter and ordered a venti passion iced tea. The barista was the same guy as the morning and he let me have what would normally be a $3.09 drink, for only $2 (since her knew I only had $2.80 left on my card. What he didn’t know was I had another $50 card in my wallet!) 🙂
+ I really am official “adult” status now. A full year of college under my belt with tons of growth! (Maybe!)
+ Getting to see my family in T-minus a few hours!!!!
So tell me:
+ Are you planning any fun Mother’s Day outings, dinners, brunches, events?
+ Do you know the “floating” feeling I’m talking about? How did you re-ground yourself again? I think it’s just because I’m in the huge transition again. Transitions/change always seem to cause that free-fall feeling.
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Stay connected: Facebook: Strength and Sunshine Twitter: @RebeccaGF666 Instagram: rebeccagf666 Pinterest: RebeccaGF666 Bloglovin’: Strength and Sunshine Google+: Rebecca Pytell
Sherry says
I just love this feature. It’s one of my weekly favorite reads 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you for reading it!
Kristen @ The Endless Meal says
Such a great list! I really love reading these each week.
Thank you for including my cauliflower post!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Of course!
kimmythevegan says
Great links!
So happy to hear you are heading home (and are now there!). Glad you got to spend Mother’s Day with your mom – I missed mine as we’re too far away. Ah well.
Hope you had a stellar first year of college and are going to have an awesome summer back home.
“For now, I hope you are feeling grounded, loved, and happy where ever you are!”
You too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you dear!
Jamie says
What a great round up, each one of these recipes is drool worthy! Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Emily @ Morning Motivated Mom says
Sooo many great posts! I love the: 40 Ways to Relax in 5 Minutes or Less…there are great ideas for everyone.
I also like the Not-a-detox Detox. Thanks for sharing all the great links!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
They are great ideas!
Haha, yes! No detoxes! My biggest pet peeve!
Sandra Laflamme says
Oooh Cinnamon Toast crunch muddy buddies! Yum! Great round-up and hope you had a safe trip back to NJ!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Just wanted to say “hi” and thanks for featuring my Spicy Chicken (one of my favourites!!). It was so interesting reading your post as I’m on the other side of the equation. My daughter is just home for the summer after her first year of college, so I completely understand 🙂 It’s a little unbalancing for us parents, too – especially those of us who have had 8 months of being empty-nesters 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
So welcome! It looks fabulous!
Haha, yes! Now the house is full again with me and my brother!
Kristen says
Yay for getting back to NJ! I can’t believe you’re done with your first year of college and I’m finishing my first year with my students – I feel like it was just yesterday that we were both trying to figure out how to not be homesick in our new cities!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I know! I feel like I JUST finished packing to move down there….and now the house is filled back up with boxes and EVERYTHING to unpack again! Ah!
Tina Muir says
Soooooo many delicious recipes! I am here with you for the taco fridays, that taco looks amazing! I love the variety of topics you use in these posts, something for everyone. Looks like we had a lot of the same thought direction today 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha yes! Taco Friday!
Ah yes! Thanks Tina!
Harriet Emily says
I hope you have a great time back in NJ!! Thank you for another great post filled with things I can’t wait to read over the weekend! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you dear!
Kimberly/TheLittlePlantation says
Life’s a journey and sometimes we’re all over theplace and sometimes our feet are firmly on the ground. so don’t worry, you’ll hit the ground running soon enough and going home might help you feel like ‘you’ again really soon.
I also spotted those popsicles. So beautiful. and I’ve bookmarked the breakfast blog post, for reading this eve 🙂
Thanks again for such a great list.
Kimberly
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks dear <3
They do look so great!
Elsie @ Sharing Healthiness says
Mmmm those Caribbean Boats got me like…WOW! I have felt that floating feeling before. I think it is our mind trying to catch up with everything you have lived so far and making space for what is coming. It is like it is everywhere but in the present. Have a lovely weekend! xx
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Me too!
Ah, that’s a good way to describe it! Totally!
And you too dear! XOXO
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
Welcome back to NJ! My freshman year felt like the longest year of my life, not because it was bad at all, but because SO much happened that year, it was crazy and incredible. So memorable in so many ways, and I also remember feeling oddly disoriented finishing off the year and heading home for summer. Enjoy Mother’s Day weekend!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, thanks 😉
It is disorienting! Crazy and surreal!
I hope your kiddos treat you super well on Sunday 😉
Emma @ Em-powered Wellness says
Congrats on finishing your first year!! I remember feeling exactly the same way..and not feeling grounded when I came back home because it was like I was between two worlds. But everything works out and you will figure it out 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you! Yea, I;m sure in a few days once I’m unpacked and settled, I’ll feel normal!
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
Congrats on finishing your Freshman year! Safe travels home and have a wonderful Mother’s Day with your mom!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you dear!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
Congrats on finishing up your freshman year! Enjoy your time settling back in at home. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, thanks dear!
Amanda - RunToTheFinish says
usually I jump right to the mental one’s that you post because I just love them. I get enough fitness, but always can work on my mental game!! Except ok I really want to do the headstand too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Practice inversions while you’re working on your mental game 😉
Brittany Lesser says
Thanks for love girly!!! xoxo
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Welcome dear!
Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together says
Hey girl… I totally get that floating feeling sometime. It’s super weird and unsettling but it typically goes away. I remember getting it at the ends of things – my freshman year of college, when some change happens, etc. I actually talked to my therapist about it. It’s kind of just like you’re watching what’s going on and not actively living it. ANYWAY if you ever need to talk about it, feel free to shoot me an e-mail. I totally hated college until I came back after my freshman year so I tell a lot of people it settles out after a bit (typically).
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It’s like a time vortex! It feel like it was just summer and I was packing my things that rainy Friday before we left! It’s just so surreal!
Emily @My Healthyish Life says
Two years later and I still remember the feeling of finishing my freshman year. I was so proud of myself and you should be too! For Mother’s Day we are going on a family run and then to brunch. Safe travels back home!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you so much dear! And high five to you! You’re almost done with your undergrad journey!!!!
And that sounds super fun!
Renee says
Great round up!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Lol, thanks.
Annmarie says
I DID know coffee was amazing and I’m scanning “weird food your mom made” article and it reminded me that my mom would always make us pizza bagels or english muffins, haha! Hope you have a great weekend!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I LOVED when my mom got the stuff to make English muffins pizzas! I LOVED making them!
Nancy says
Sometimes its okay not to feel ‘ǵrounded’ as you put it, we should all experience those free falling moments…A bit of a break from the norm…Enjoy NJ and have a great weekend #bloglove
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It’s all part of the journey, right? You too!
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
this is my first time reading your friday finisher post and i love it~
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Where have you been!?
lindsay says
you’ll be hooked and HUNGRY! love her pins
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Hahaha 😉
Farrah says
Yay! Hope you have a safe trip back to NJ! :]
Looking forward to reading those food ones! :O (A Vitamix has been on my wishlist as my graduation present to self, so I’ll have to go check that out! 😛 ) + food in a bowl is wonderful!
Have a lovely weekend! :] Wish I could give you advise on regrounding from that “floating” feeling, but since I’ve been in that for a good while, no can do! 😡
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you dear!
(Get the Vitamix!!!) and then eat what you make…in a bowl 😛
If I figure it out…I’ll let you know then too 😉