Not the week I expected! Plus, has the reality that May is over hit anyone yet? It's JUNE! June is my favorite month (my birthday is next week!) and it really is "summer"! With the caveat of a less then pleasant start. I'm writing this on Thursday morning again, but I had an endoscopy on Tuesday and then was told to schedule a colonoscopy asap, right as I was groggily waking up from my endoscopy anesthesia! So Thursday and 3:30pm was the only time (happy June first!). Best to get it all done this week so next week (my birthday week) isn't so unpleasant. But and there are always more "buts", I have two more big long procedures I have to schedule after all this.
Endless. There is a great article in the Friday Finisher this week called "Sick Again". Totally resonated with that one and couldn't be more true living with chronic illness and a mystery diagnosis. On to a recuperating weekend (I hope!), I need some fresh air and June summer warmth after this week! Cheers and strength!
SS Posts from the week:
Monday: Quinoa Spring Rolls with Homemade Duck Sauce (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
Tuesday: How To Remove Extra Stress When You Have A Chronic Illness
Wednesday: Sriracha Honey Mustard Salmon (Gluten-Free, Paleo)
Blog Posts and Links I loved this week:
Life, Mind, Body, Spirit:
+ Building A Home Your Kids Want To Come Home To
I love this!
It can be an awkward period to make new and lasting friends.
+ 101 Self-Care Suggestions For When It All Feels Like Too Much
When we just need a break from it all.
+ The First Steps For Enjoying Four Frugal Hobbies
Great things that don't cost a dime!
+ Questions To Help You Declutter More Effectively
If you're struggling with your decluttering and minimizing.
+ 10 Horrible Habits That Destroy Your Happiness
No one wants to destroy their own happiness!
You can't ever know and that's okay.
+ The Secret To Making Your Weekends Feel Longer
I totally get this!
These photos are so captivating!
+ Putting Off Important Things Not or The Reason You Think
That's true! The more focus we think it needs....
+ Seven Helpful Tips On How To Be Miserable
Meaning...don't do these!
Fitness:
+ I Did SoulCycle And Nothing Will Ever Be The Same Again
This made me laugh out loud!
+ Best Plank Exercises For Strong Arms & Abs
Planks are my favorite!
Food:
+ 7 Trends At The Sweets & Snacks Expo 2017
I'm loving some of these new trends!
+ Russell Stover Squashing The Sugar-Free Stigma
If you do it right, sugar-free is the way to be!
+ Breakfast Was The Most Important Meal Of The Day, Until America Ruined It
America ruins a lot of food-related things...
+ 37 Resources For Selecting & Storing Your Groceries
Power to the no food waste movement!
+ The Curious Case Of The Disappearing Nuts
Bahahaha! But it is true about the expense and value!
Health, Celiac Disease, & Food Allergies:
+ Celiac Disease Symptoms More Liking To Resolve In Children
Well yes. That's why early diagnosis is so important to reduce longterm effects.
+ The Rise Of Food Allergies In America
Wow, powerful statement at the end of this article.
+ How To Help Your Allergic Child Deal With Food Bullying
Another sad truth about living with food allergies.
+ Stop Faking Allergies At Restaurants
This is more than a pet peeve.
Again and again.
+ FDA Finds High Level Of Compliance To Gluten-Free Standard
Well, that's a step in the right direction.
+ The Gluten-Free Trend: Rising Tide Or Sinking Ship?
It will never "sink" for those of us with celiac.
Blogging & Social Media:
This is how you do Instagram on the computer!
+ Make It For Your Audience's Audience
This makes so much sense!
+ How Google Plans To Kill "Last Click Attribution"
Getting rid of buying competition?
+ Creating A Numbered List With Text Between In WordPress
OMG! Finally! I never know how to do this properly!
+ Common Weak Words In Your Blog Posts & How To Avoid Them
Get rid of those "to bes"!
+ How To Land Sponsored Travel As A Blogger
Helene went above and beyond with this post!
+ How These 8 Bloggers Got Tons More Traffic From Pinterest
Still haven't figured out Pinterest for myself, at least to my standards.
+ How To Increase Your Organic Reach On Instagram
Still haven't figured out Instagram either.
+ How To Personalize Your Blog
Make it special and exciting!
+ What Your Social Media Content Strategy Is Missing
Make sure you're covering all the bases!
Design, Tech, & Photography:
Some technology can be fun and helpful!
+ 5 Common Camera Setting Mistakes To Avoid
Don't make these mistakes!
+ Top 5 Essential Photography Tips
These are great ones!
+ 10 Non-Poses To Get Natural Photos Of Your Kids
Yes! This is where you capture those magic shots!
Career, Business, & Success:
+ Working From Home Is Never Worth It
How do you feel about working from home?
Video & Podcast Episodes:
+ Chopped Podcast: Create Content You Love
You really do; it's the only sustainable way!
+ Online Marketing Made Easy: The New Rules To Facebook Marketing
Facebook and I are coming to an understanding, I think.
Other:
+ The Huge Problem With Kids' Toys No One Talks About
Wow, did you ever think about this?
Raise your hand if you'd rather buy things online?
+ Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
If you need a feel good laugh 😉
+ The Best Lightweight Rain Jacket
You know I've never had a rain jacket? I need!
+ 10 Ways To Give Your Kids A 1970's Kind Of Summer
I wasn't alive then, but I know my mom's stories!
+ The 50 States Ranked By Beautiful
Eh...I don't agree with them all...then again, I haven't been to many states!
Things To Eye & Buy:
+ These are amazing! Why did it take me so long to have them? My mom picked some up for me during my prep (ahaha!)
+ Current random cereal obsession of late. I've just had the biggest craving for some reason and am dreaming of a bowl right now...
Favorite Pins:
(Follow me on Pinterest – RebeccaGF666)
+ Travel Sandwich with Roasted Red Pepper and Pesto - This sandwich is just calling me!
+ Easy Dal Palak - This would make for such a cozy dinner!
+ Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup - Pair that with some vegan grilled cheese, please!
+ Mango Salmon Bowls with Coconut Rice - This girl knows her salmon!
+ Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Bars - A snack that tastes like a delicious dessert!
A few things I loved about my week or am grateful for:
+ The fact that it's June is something to smile about. I just hope I get to finally enjoy a month (not being sick every day!)
So tell me:
+ How are you kicking of June? (I hope it's not with a colonoscopy, like me!)
———————————————-
Stay connected: Facebook: Strength and Sunshine Twitter: @RebeccaGF666 Instagram: rebeccagf666 Pinterest: RebeccaGF666 Bloglovin’: Strength and Sunshine Google+: Rebecca Pytell
Farrah
Aughh! :[ I'm sorry to hear about your May, but super hoping that June will be better! <3 Fingers crossed that the weather will finally stop being a bum! Sending lots of good thoughts your way! Hang in there!! <3
I'm definitely going to have to check out that decluttering article, haha...and the self-care one. I'm exhausted! :[
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you, Farrah! I think we may finally be on the right track to a diagnosis. A few more tests to rule things in or out...
Michele Morin
So sorry to hear about your medical challenges. Thanks for your upbeat spirit here!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sure, thanks!
Mary
Happy Birthday, Month! I’m so sorry that you are dealing with all this madness. I really hope you get better soon.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Mary xoxo
Wendy
Wishing you thoughts of health, strength, and peace as you go through all of this. My heart goes out to you.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks, appreciated!