Wow! What a week! The last few days have been a whirlwind. Way to end June with a bang! That's the other thing. How could it possibly be July!? As always, my favorite month went by all too quickly, but at least July is still pretty stellar. I've been trying to soak all the summer freedom up, doing something a little different every day, checking out local places, even just solo trips around town.
I even stumbled upon a random farmer's market last weekend! That was a pleasant surprise! I'll have to go back...when I actually have cash on hand! O, and are you pumped for another long weekend? In case you didn't know, Monday is the 4th of July! Woooh! Time to light some sparklers, grill some chicken, and eat that potato salad, pasta salad, and cole slaw of course (The Summer Side Trifecta!)
So I hope you have some fun plans this weekend and enjoy your time in the sun! I'll be taking a little disconnecting break and you won't see me back here until Tuesday or Wednesday. Enjoy the sun, love, food, and INDEPENDENCE!
Monday: Strawberry Cappuccino Ice Cream
Wednesday: The Greatest Grilled Chicken...Ever!
Recently Updated Post: Butterscotch Corn Cakes
Blog Posts and Links I loved this week:
Life, Mind, Body, Spirit:
So beautifully powerful.
+ 5 Benefits Of Unplugging For The Weekend
I will be doing just that this holiday weekend!
+ Removing Negativity From My Life (And How You Can Too!)
Positive > negative.
+ How To Shut Down Your Ego + Tap Into The Immensity Of Your Potential
Wow, there's some perspective for you!
+ 7 Tips For Supporting Am Anxious Partner
While keeping yourself sane.
There is a difference, but venting is what you want!
Although, you shouldn't need to read how to be you...
Fitness:
+ Why Increasing Exercise And Cutting Carbs Is A Recipe For Disaster
A life without carbs would be a sad life...
+ How Many Calories We Burn When We Sit, Stand, Or Walk
Sorry standing desks π We need treadmill desks.
+ Things To Consider Before You Become A Group Fitness Instructor
I think so many people are blinded by the stereotype.
+ The Trainer Who Posts Unflattering Selfies On Instagram
Because insta-pics are NOT "real".
Food:
+ 7 Benefits Of Cooking Together As A Family
Get those kiddos in the kitchen!
+ 5 Food-Lovers Explain Why They Eat The Same Lunch Every Day
This is why I don't have to meal plan. #easylife
+ The Unexpected IngredientΒ For Perfectly Set Fruit Jams
Mind blown!
+ A Map Of Where Your Food Originated
Watermelon is from South Africa!
+ 23 Food Facts That Are Totally And UndeniablyΒ True
Bahaha! Yes! About 90% are so true!
+ Why Our Food Is The Single Biggest Election Issue Not On The Table
It does upset me that food and nutrition is not a bigger issue.
+ Get That Smoked Barbecue Flavor Even If Your Don't Have A Smoker
Ahhhhhh <3
+ Why You Should Just Relax About Your Cluttered Countertops
This made me feel better about life!
+ Why Local Produce Costs So Much
This is what angers me when people say "save money by shopping at the farmer's market!" <--- WRONG!
+ Kellogg's New Cereal Cafe In NYC
Um. Should I be excited or cry that they say a bowl is $7???
Don't ruin your brew!
Health,Β Celiac Disease, & Food Allergies:
+ Study Finds Ocean Views Are Linked To Better Health
Better go buy a beach house!
+ 16 Struggles People With Food Allergies Will Understand
Yup...
Blogging, Social Media, Tech & Photography:
+ When Less Is More On Social Media
Agreed!
Some great explanations for those basic photography tips!
+ How To Find Your Unique Blogging Voice
Keep the "innocence" and keep being you! (Snark and all!)
+ How To Maximize Your Blog's Most Popular Pages
Follow the traffic.
+ 10 Signs You're A Shitty Blog Group Participant
Maybe it's the summer, but some groups are...dead.
+ Best Practices For Affiliate Marketing On Pinterest
Have you done it yet?
Career & Business:
+ 11 Ways Emotionally IntelligentΒ People Communicate Better Than The Rest Of Us
Read and take some pointers!
+ 10 Underrated Apps That'll Make Your Workday Run So Much More Smoothly
O, I spy some newbies!
+ 3 Short Phrases That Will Help You Change Minds
Time to persuade!
+ 5 Stress-Free Steps To Pricing Your Services
I know a lot of bloggers and freelancers struggle with this.
+ Using Exclamation Marks Correctly! And Incorrectly!
Opps...you guys know I love mine!!!!!!!
Other:
+ 23 '90s Fashions That Are Making A Comeback, Whether You Like It Or Not
#YES! I thought I was the only one making this association with the trends in the stores!
+ 21 Awesome Places To Learn Critical Skills That Will Change Your Life
I'm a fan of many!
+ 3 Ways To Be Productively Unproductive
Perfect!
+ 8 Tips For Air-Drying Your Hair
#TeamAirDry
+ Mr. Potato Head Gets An "Ugly" Makeover
Why do I not have one!?
Favorite Pins:
(Follow me on Pinterest β RebeccaGF666)
Mushroom Paella. I could eat this every day!
Peanut Butter and Β Chia Jelly Cacao Smoothie. This smoothie made me love smoothies...
Wasabi and Cucumber Ice Cream. What-the-what!?
Grilled Mango Curry Chicken Skewers. This is a grilled chicken win!
Gluten-Free Vanilla Triple Berry Crisp. I still have yet to make a crisp!
Vegan Coconut Mint Ice Cream. It's just too drool-worthy!
Homemade Peri Peri Sauce. I need this sauce!
Syrian Rice Pudding with Orange Blossom Water. So simple and beautiful!
A few things I loved about my week or am grateful for:
+ Today marks the start of the 10-day "Christmas in July" Hallmark special! You know I love my Hallmark Christmas movies!
+ Long relaxing weekend ahead? It just sounds so inviting right now! No worries or stress allowed!
So tell me:
+ Let me hear those 4th of July/weekend plans!
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Stay connected: Facebook: Strength and Sunshine Twitter: @RebeccaGF666 Instagram: rebeccagf666 Pinterest: RebeccaGF666 Bloglovinβ: Strength and Sunshine
Anya
So much deliciousness in one post. And seriously - wasabi ice cream? Totally makes sense, right?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
With the cucumber it does!
Evi @ greenevi
So many great links again! I just had watermelon for breakfast today and was wondering where it's from. My uncle has big watermelon fields in Hungary, but it just doesn't seem like a native fruit π
So thanks, I've learned some cool stuffs today (strawberries are from North America???)! Oh, and thanks for sharing my ice cream <3
Happy 4th of July!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The good thing about globalization π
Your ice cream <3
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday
That kiwi trick is so cool! Never would've guessed! And I've been doing lots of lakefront walking in Chicago... and might've gotten a little too much sun ????
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I've got to try it!! Good 'ole kiwis!
Uh oh :O
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners
So much great info, Rebecca! I could eat the mushroom paella every day too. Loved the Pinterest affiliate post, map of food and laughed at the food facts!
Enjoy your time off π Happy 4th!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That paella looks so delicious!!
You too Robyn!!! Enjoy the weekend and eat some delicious food!
Jess @hellotofit
I never remember to have cash on me when at the farmer's market, haha! More of them are becoming credit card friendly, but still...
Have a great weekend!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, right?! A hassle π
Xoxo you too!
Michelle
Rebecca
Great list, great photos! I hope your " new grill" is meeting all your expectations!
Happy 4th!
Michelle
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha, I've only used it once so far, need to break it in more this weekend!
You too!
Bianca - ElephantasticVegan
Yet another awesome list of must-reads!
OMG, that wasabi cucumber ice cream looks amazing! My boyfriend is the biggest fan of cucumber ice cream (and basil ice cream), so I'm sure he would be down for that π
Have a great holiday weekend!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Evi is a genius! That much be one of the most creative flavors!!
Cucumber (frozen cucumber is so good for making a creamy smoothie) so it must be fabulous for an ultra creamy and refreshing ice cream!
Enjoy your...normal...weekend! Haha! xoxo
Kristy from Southern In Law
Okay, now I have 6432 reasons to live by the sea! Now if only the government subsidised beach houses for better health π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ha, that would be good!
Allie
Oh I am definitely trying out that peanut butter and chia jelly smoothie. Have a great 4th
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Possible 4th of July breakfast smoothie? π
You too Allie! xo
Farrah
AHHHHH! Can't believe June is already over. I had my very first day of orientation today--so much infooooo. (I'm glad they're easing us in, haha.) Hoping to unplug for at least part of this weekend! <3 Hope you have a great one!
P.S. We need to meet up sometime! <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O boy! Take it easy my friend! Soak up any and ALL downtime!
(Message me on FB...or email!)
rachel @ Athletic Avocado
I'll be at the beach this week which I'm pretty stoked about! Have a great 4th of July!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah, you lucky girl! Have fun!
Emily @ My Healthyish Life
Funny you mention the Christmas in July...you reminded me that neighborhood in my town does that on July 25 and throws a mini holiday party. Random but fun! Those grilled mango chicken skewers look delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
What!? O that is so awesome!! I would be ALL for that! Haha!
They sound incredible!
Alexis @ Chemistry Cachet
Can't wait to check out all your links this week! Hope you have an awesome 4th of July!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You too, Alexis!
Susie @ SuzLyfe
The in laws are coming in town. I need to consult that article to explain why my countertops are cluttered!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, keep the clutter!!