Guess what?! This is the 500th post on Strength and Sunshine! Wooooo! Party time! I also went back and counted that this is the 107th Friday Finisher! (I realized it would have been a lot easier to just look at how many were in the Friday Finisher category through my dashboard…after I counted, twice, because I messed up…good times). Throw back to the first ever Friday Finisher on July 12th, 2013! I actually don’t have anything planned to celebrate…bummer. But I knew this post was coming up, so still exciting to say I’ve published 500 posts on this blog! Ready for 500 more? I hope so, because I’m not stopping! I also redid and updated my About Me page, so go check that out!
Sad news, my baby basil plant is dying. The leaves are shriveled up and there’s no hope. I think it’s my house that kills all the herbs. I also haven’t made that final click on the Kindle yet. I’m so close, so close! But these decisions take me forever! I’m about 85% I’ll get one though 😉
It’s also the last day of July! No, I’m not excited about that, but what can you do? Build a time-machine! Who’s with me? Even though it was super hot (90s all week), I really don’t care about the heat. You will not find me welcoming Fall! So live up the summer with me and don’t complain the heat away (since I know everyone will be complaining about the winter!). If you can’t handle the heat, I recommend sitting in an air conditioned room with a glass of iced tea (or coffee) and settle in with the 117th Friday Finisher!
MY LATEST VIDEOSMonday: Raw Raspberry Fig Chia Jam
Tuesday: Millet: The Gluten-Free Grain Not “Just For Birds”
Wednesday: Italian Polenta Pizza
Blog Posts and Links I loved this week:
Life, Mind, Body, Spirit:
+ 16 Signs You Really Need To Put That Phone Down Right Now
I have to keep reading this for myself! But it’s more like social media for me. Just throw my laptop away!
It’s real, but YOU are amazing as YOU.
Interesting way to look at being present.
Responding is intentional and takes thought, not split-second emotion driven.
+ A Simple Affirmation That Can Transform Your Shame – I Am Enough
Yes, yes, yes!
+ 7 Reliable Steps To Change Your Life At Any Age
You can make progress and change what you want!
+ Believe. Begin Again. Dealing With Anxiety.
It’s a beginning!
That’s what it means to be a family.
Need a boost? Read this!
+ What To Do When You’re Overworked & Overwhelmed
It’s time to take a look, slow down, and eliminate!
Fitness:
+ Let Go Of Mom Guilt & Exercise
It’s not selfish; it’s selfish to NOT exercise!
+ A 92-Year-Old Yogi Shares Her Secrets To Happiness & Longevity
Everyone! Grab your jump ropes!
Food:
+ Over 100 Dairy-Free Ice Cream Toppings (Ideas & Recipes)
Most are gluten and allergy-friendly too!
A “love letter” type post to the one and only Joe 😉
+ No More Hidden Sugar: FDA Proposes New Label Rule
Well I hope this really is promising! 🙂
+ 10 Common Foods That Contribute To Bloating + 6 Ways To Relieve It
Exactly why you’re nut milk should be carrageenan free! (Buy Silk….or make your own!)
+ Strawberries Aren’t Actually Berries. But These Unexpected Foods Are!
Think berries are only small things? Think again! Go grab that watermelon!
+ 10 Costly Mistakes You’re Making At The Grocery Store
Gotta keep as much “dough” in your wallet as possible!
+ This Is How Companies “Going Clean” Will Actually Affect Your Food
You know, not by much.
+ Coffee, Almond, Quinoa, Rice: Which Gluten-Free Flour Should You Buy
A great breakdown of some of the great GF flours!
That actually stays lovely and green! This is an awesome trick!
+ The Great Debate: Sugar vs Artificial Sweeteners
Never ever put something like “sweet ‘n’ low” in your body. Just sayin’ 😉
+ 19 Foods That Aren’t Actually Food
I think these are the definition of the processed foods you should avoid 😛
Solute the greatest sandwich! (Go make some jam!)
Health:
+ That Makeup Ad Is Probably Lying To You
Not so clinically proven after all. maybe that’s why I don’t wear makeup 😉
+ The Shocking Truth About Food Deserts And American Obesity
Scary (maybe), sad (kinda), angering (yes)!
STILL it’s being used, but this is a great video on why it’s so stupid!
+ The Likely Cause Of Addiction Has Been Discovered, And It Is Not What You Think
This was a fascinating read!
+ Why The Diseases That Cause The Most Harm Don’t Always Get The Most Research Money
Really. This needs to change.
+ The One Thing Nutritionists Wish You’d Stop Doing
Um, yes to all of these (especially the last one!)
+ The Best Evidence-Based Food And Nutrition Sites
This is a great list of awesome resources!
+ When Did The Health Community Become So Judgmental?
I don’t think it will ever change at this point. Which is sad and frustrating.
Blogging, Social Media, Tech & Photography:
You guys don’t see this, but black and white architectural photography was my strong suit while I was taking classes and not just doing food photography 😛 I love black and white!
+ We Need To Talk About Cody Cats
Sophie nails it in this post on such a touchy subject, but she brings the best honest open discussion about it! I agree 100%.
+ Four Business & Creative Lessons We Can Learn From Alain de Botton
I love #3 the most! It’s so true!
+ Silence The Noise At Least Once A Day
Just step away from the technology and blogging. Take some me time.
+ Why I Don’t Pin Your Content (And How You Can Change That)
#1 and #2 people! Fix it!
+ How I Plan My Blog Posts + A Printable Worksheet
Haha, I totally agree with her on #3!
+ My Experience With Pinterest Promoted Pins
I never even read about how it was done (until this post).
+ Creating A Personal And Blog Mission Statement
You may already have one for you’re blog, but what about yourself?
+ A Mad Libs Game For Every Food Blog Commenter
Hahahahahaha! So true! So great!
+ SEO Is Dying & Millennials Won’t Attend The Funeral
Every blogger, or website owner, needs to read this!
Other:
+ We’re All Going On A Family Gap Year
Would you ever do this?
+ This Is What $1,500 A Month In Rent Would Get You In Cities All Around The World
Wow, I think we’re all living in the wrong cities 😉
+ 9 Tips For A Perfect Phone Interview
Ugh. I hate business calls on the phone!
+ The 100 Greatest American Films
And I’ve seen almost none of them 😛
+ Take A Tour Of The Most Expensive House For Sale In America
Really? I don’t think this house is worth it.
+ No-Fail Stainmaster Guide: How To Treat Any Stain Quickly And Easily
This will totally come in handy!
+ 5 Business Skills They Don’t Teach You In School
But they really should (if they could). These skills matter more than writing a paper!
+ Going Back To School: The 1970s vs. Today
Thank god I was in between the two 😉
+ What To Do When You Forget To Put On Deodorant
Another reason why you should always carry hand sanatizer!
+ 19 Genius Ways To Turn Your Outdoor Space Into A Relaxing Nook
I want that little hanging grill!
Favorite Pins:
(Follow me on Pinterest – RebeccaGF666)
Kale Pesto + Rice Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms with a Herbed Cashew Cream. One day I’ll find zucchini blossoms!
Zucchini Dill Fritters with Cashew Aioli. I’ve been seeing a ton of fritter recipes, which means they need to happen!
Vegan Balsamic Caramel Swirl Bars. These insane bars need to be in everyone’s life!
Vegan Heartache Cake (Chocolate Eggplant Torte). Eggplant in cake…this will heal any heartache!
Sesame, Fig + Banana Drizzle Squares. Everything I love in a perfect square!
Hoisin Lime Glazed Salmon with Mixed Vegetables. That’s one fine piece of fish 😉
Chicken and Rice Noodle Salad. This is the perfect dinner bowl!
Homemade Mint Ice Cream with Fudge Swirl. You even make you’re own coconut milk for it! Total homemade!
Sticky Rice Cakes with Red Bean Paste. Have to make these!
Tequila Lime Chicken with Zucchini Corn Salad And Salsa Verde. That’s just mesmerizing!
A few things I loved about my week or am grateful for:
+ That About Me page. Took me so long to get it down (I’m still not totally happy with it), but it’s a lot better than it was!
+ The fact that this has been breakfast 3 or 5 days this week (it was almost all 5, but I like variety). Literally, when I opened the box I almost started crying, hahahahaha 😉
+ Bloggers! How many posts have you published on your blog?
+ Tell me one thing you still need to do before summer is over. Go to a farmer’s market 😛
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Mila says
Oh, I love Zucchini Dill Fritters! YUM 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
They sounds great!
Linda @ Veganosity says
Finally! I found the time to enjoy this post without rushing. 🙂 That 92 year old yogi is my inspiration. She looks fantastic! And I loved the 1970s and 2014 back to school comparison. Too funny!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope I’m like her when I “grow up” 😉
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
thanks so much for including me in this awesome group of links!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
🙂
Emily says
I was anti-Kindle…then I got one. I love it! Go for it.
Great list of posts, as always. I spent too much time reading them when I should be doing other things. 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That’s the outcome I’m hearing from a lot of people!
Eh, as long as you come out learning and enriching your mind with something, then it’s worth it 😉 XOXO
Bianca @ ElephantasticVegan says
Congrats on the 500th post! That’s so cool! I’m now around 140 posts, still a long way to go 🙂
I love your friday finishers, they are so informational. I’ve been meaning to see 2001: A Space Odyssey (which is number 4 on the great americans movies list) for soooo long and never went through with it! grrr. And I don’t most of the other films either. So sorry to hear about your basil plant (I hope it will recover!)! One thing I have to do before the temperatures drop is to talk to my raspberry plant to hurry up lol 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you! Well, every post you create is beautiful!
I need to start chipping away at that list 😛 But I just don’t enjoy movies much, haha!
Wishing you good growing vibes then! (Even though I obviously lack them, hahaha!)
Morgan says
Congratulations on 500 posts, that is awesome! Thanks so much for including my post about planning posts! 🙂 I am loving checking out these links, there are a lot of great posts here!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Welcome and thank you!
Farrah says
So sad about your basil plant! :[ (+ I want a time machine too!)
I love the “Life, Mind, Body, Spirit” section this week–I really need it after yesterday (it was horrible ;_; ). Thank you for sharing! <3
The $1500/month for rent thing is precisely why I cannot live in a city. ._. I laughed at the comment on them leaving out SF because they couldn't find anyplace within that price range. 😛
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I need to give it a funeral!
O no Farrah! I hope this weekend brings some smiles! Thinking of you! XOXOXOXO
Haha, it’s ridiculous. Another reason why I am not a city girl!
lindsay says
there is so much goodness in this post i don’t even know where to begin! maybe your about page? yay for updates! and thanks for the link love. NOw i must go read the SEO dying one… because I hope it does die off! haha I hate it. Probably because I don’t get it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I don’t get it either! I just installed Yoast…but now…I don’t think anyone will need it for every long! Plus…yoast is not helpful at all! I was already doing everything it simply indicates…what a waste!
Emily @ Zen & Spice says
Thanks for including my link! I think I am nearing 250 posts… haha 500 is such a big number, congrats girl!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks Emily!
Tess says
I love all those recipes. I always wanted to try zuchinnii cakes.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
No time to waste now!
Harriet Emily says
Congrats on your 500th post Rebecca!! That’s amazing! I can’t wait to read all of these great links 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you dear!
Kayla | Kayla Blogs says
500 posts?! That’s insane! Before the end of the summer, I want to finish my Pittsburgh bucket list!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Best of luck!
Raia says
Thanks so much for sharing my mint ice cream, Rebecca! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It is amazing…I can tell 😉
Emma @ Muddy Boots and Diamonds says
Woohoo! Congratulations on 500 posts! That’s truly exciting 🙂 I have written 545 and have 61 in drafts. I really need to work on those drafts and I’d love to get most of those done before the summer ends!!
All the food photos have made me hungry 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Zero drafts for me! If I start writing something, it is for that week’s posts!
Thank you!
kenzie negron says
Those banana drizzle squares look amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It does!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says
Thanks so much for including me Rebecca! I love these posts and am honored.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Rock on Alisa!
Leah M @ love me, feed me says
Woooooo! 500! That’s crazy! I’ve posted 122 🙂 I expected the number to be lower haha.
Thanks for share, Rebecca!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Hahaha, in all due time 😉
Thank you dear! And….I think you should send me those squares!
Leah M @ love me, feed me says
If only I had some left 😉 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Hahahaha 😉
Ilona's Passion says
Wow 500! This is great achievement! I have to check these zucchini fritters, look Delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
I love that they’re healthy and vegan too!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
Okay that article about fruits that are actually berries but totally don’t seem like berries is messing with my mind! 😮 I see bananas in a whole new way now. Still love that mad lib post, I even read some to my sister yesterday on the phone 😀 haha And one thing I need to do before summer ends is move to South Florida where summer doesn’t really end…ya’ with me 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I’m scared bananas are going to take over the world…Everything I read has been including that damn BERRY! Hahahahaha!
Hahaha, it was so funny and so acheingly true!
I’ll book my ticket right now!
Erica @ Erica Finds says
Congrats on 500! So many good reads this week. Thank you!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you Erica!
Chelsey says
Wow! 500!! That’s so exciting!!! Thanks for including my post in your 117th Friday Finisher — your best yet 😉 Those recipes you chose are perfection! And I loved your polenta pizza!! I haven’t even hit 250 yet, with my 2nd blogiversary coming up soon, but there never seems to be enough time to post more! Darn life getting in the way! Have a great weekend 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you and your welcome 😉 I loved the post dear!
Yay! 2 years is a great milestone 😉 And it’s quality over quantity anyway! If you have the time, post, if not, alls good XOXO
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs says
Congrats on your 500th post! And so sorry about your basil plant 🙁
Great stuff as always. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you! XOXO
Liz says
Woah! 500 posts!? That’s amazing! Congrats 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats says
Oh I ‘ve missed your friday posts! I have been slacking in blog reading because of the move, but just need to come here to catch up!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Well this is the perfect place for ALL the catching up 😉
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
Super cool with Cheerios, yay! I always find your blogging articles really informative and helpful, looks like another round of good ones so thank you 🙂 And go for the kindle! Perfect timing with the weekend. You won’t look back. But who am I to talk because it took me a year to finally buy a kombucha starter kit, lol 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Scheduling all the tagged tweets this week was killer…SO MANY! Hahaha!
I just need to do it! I have a gift card and I want to read more so, this should be an easy decision!
Heather @ Life In Leggings says
THAT MINT ICE CREAM with fudge swirls… absolutely! Congrats on 500 posts! It’s crazy how fast time flies with blogging. Thanks for linking up your favorite links, and I hope you have a great weekend!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I know!!!!! Need! Chocolate, mint, and cold creamy goodness!
Thanks Heather!
Hannah | The Swirling Spoon says
500 posts! Woah now… that’s amazing! MEGA congrats, lady! I’m up to 53 (and only a few weeks away from my first blogiversary!)
Thanks for the link love on ma drizzle squares! <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, thank you! My 2 year anniversary was June 26th! Love these milestones!
They look divine!
Annmarie says
Sorry to hear that your basil plant is dying 🙁 I have a black thumb and can’t keep anything alive very long….so I steal from my mom’s garden all the time, haha! Thanks so much for the heads up about my error…my brain is MUSH lately 😛
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
At least you have a Mom who gardens 😉 My mom’s worse than me with plants! Hahaha!
Eh, it’s an iffy thing though! Some are okay with it some are not, so I say, you’re a-okay!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Congrats on the big 5-0-0! I’m getting close, but it will be a few more weeks.
Great links and content, as always, but I’m particularly drooling over the vanilla balsamic bars…
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I knew it was coming…and them BAM! I wish I had something “spectacular” planned 😛
I know!!! I want them all in my mouth, NOW!