Around the Interwebs

If humans were perfectly rational creatures, we would be able to calculate the costs and benefits of every activity well enough to accurately weigh the value of everything we do against everything else we could have been doing. Why do we spend time on things we hate?

Sleeping in a treehouse is on my bucket list.

We should give out more compliments. Here are 99 compliments you can give (that are not about appearance!).

Real-Life Cheat Codes. Very much agree with #1, #8, #12, and #27, need to practice  #18, using #31.

The age of reopening anxiety, or “relearning how to socialize”.

The tyranny of time. A new way to think about the clock.

The Instagram Memorial of Anthony Bourdain.

So much truth though. 15 shower thoughts to break your brain.

Eight secrets to a (fairly) fulfilled life. What do you say?

Related to the previous article, one of the most fundamental yet still under-appreciated truths of human existence: Everybody is totally just winging it, all the time.

Around the blogosphere

What is plant-forward  + why it’s the next best thing. I think I’d like to move toward a plant-forward diet, but I won’t give up on meat or dairy completely.

How to support small businesses without spending a penny.

Some great tips to live more environmentally conscious. Zero Waste on a Budget.

I  tried all of Trader Joe’s coffee so you don’t have to. (We tried our fair share of TJ’s coffee – we regularly buy the Fair Trade Organic Bolivian Blend and Jon likes to keep a jug of the (regular) Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate in the fridge for a quick iced coffee.)

Here’s another article ranking Trader Joe’s coffee beans.

Craftiness/DIY

Such a pretty summer decoration. Paper Honeycomb Suns. 

26 ways to decorate a plain tote bag.

For my runner friends

How long should you train for a race? Laura shares some guidelines.

Did you know 28% of runners began during the pandemic? So that means I was cool before the pandemic started (ha!), but hey, I welcome every single person to the running community! It’s amazing to have you! 

5 reasons to become a morning runner. I agree with all of them 100%.

How to find your sweat rate (and how to determine how much to drink).

Deliciousness

Simple, but useful food hacks. Some of these are so clever!

Ten shortcuts for better cooking.

Summer Smoothies. A great way to start your day during the warm months of the year.

Share a good link with me in the comments!

Around the Interwebs

Interesting, but controversial take. What do you think? The Liberals Who Can’t Quit Lockdown.

Languishing vs. flow. Do you know the difference?

Missing hiker found safe after posting a photo of his feet. Amazing story.

At what age are people the happiest?

I am childfree by choice, but because of circumstance. Doesn’t matter. These things all apply. 10 women who are childfree by choice. 

A once-in-a-lifetime chance to start over.

Around the blogosphere

How to break up with your phone. I am trying to implement some of these habits, e.g. I don’t have notifications turned on for anything but texts and calls, and I use the don’t disturb mode.

Welcome to the social media panopticon. Worth your time.

5 ways you can use your phone to improve your mental health. I am good at number 1. 

The pandemic isn’t over yet. I feel Angela on this.

Craftiness/DIY

Yarn Weight Chart + recommended yarn for each weight. Handy!

10 DIY planters and flower pots.

23 free knit summer shawls.

Felt dolphins. So cute.

For my runner friends

Habit stacking microworkouts. I love this idea!

What is a Cricut machine and what does it do? One of these days, I’ll get one.

9 ways to help sore muscles from running.

Deliciousness

How to make Mason jar ice cream. Definitely trying that!

Easy protein granola.

Those looks so good. BBQ Nachos.

Freezing produce for smoothies.

Farro Salad with Feta, Cucumbers and Sun-dried Tomatoes. We made a variation of this and it was so good.

Know the dirty dozen.

Share a good link with me in the comments!

Around the Interwebs

Thoughts on returning to pre-pandemic life. “I don’t trust people in the same way and I don’t think I ever will again“.

What to know before you post a vaccine selfie.

“Back to normal anxiety” is more common than you might think. Can you relate?

Effective psychological tricks.

What’s the minimum dose of training to stay fit?

An interesting outlook. The short-term, middle-term, and long-term future of the coronavirus.

The pandemic has given women a new rage.

Around the blogosphere

How long does it actually take to learn a language? As a non-native speaker myself, this is super-interesting.

I really enjoyed Abby’s post about re-learning the body.

Super-dreamy outdoor spaces. I’ll take one of each, please and thank you.

Craftiness/DIY

How to make stickers at home with minimal supplies.

Papercut Lacy Lanterns. So pretty.

For my runner friends

Do you plank a lot?  Common plank mistakes to watch out for. 

Race goals that are not focused on a PR. Indeed, these exist!

Wright Socks Review (one brand of my favorite running socks!)

Yoga for runners.

Deliciousness

I wanna try these sourdough discard scones next to use up some of my discard that is sitting in the fridge.

Garlic Butter Mushroom and Cauliflower. Sounds good to me!

20 Air Fryer Recipes. I wanna try them all.

Share a good link with me in the comments!

Around the Interwebs

Why is reading so hard right now? Super-interesting! Are you also struggling?

Some fixes for pandemic monotony. Take a fake commute. Ha. 

How the Coronavirus Outbreak Has – and Hasn’t – Changed the Way Americans Work

People share unwritten rules in life. Can you think of any others?

What it was like to eat with Anthony Bourdain. Don’t you miss him, too?

A bunch of time management email tips!

Around the blogosphere

How many selfies are too many selfies?

Spring cleaning your house plants.

Daydreaming about a nice wfh space. 15 home offices to inspire your creativity.

20 ways to organize your life in 2021.

Craftiness/DIY

Macramé-inspired plant hanger.

Seed Stitch Knit Hat — Free pattern.

Dyeing eggs with Kool-Aid. Are you coloring eggs for Easter?

Free printable Easter labels.

Makes me want to stitch again. Spring mandala.

For my runner friends

Garmin’s Live Track Feature.

The runner’s guide to calf compression sleeves.

13 benefits of running.

What “Listen to your body” really means. 

Deliciousness

How to build the perfect breakfast bowl.

Vegan Trail Mix Cookies (these look so good!).

Sourdough Irish Soda Bread. I’ve never tried this but it looks delicious!

We’ve made an adapted version of this German split pea soup. Yum! 

Share a good link with me in the comments!

I could just browse the Internet for hours on end, so many good things to read. Don’t you agree? Here are this month’s pickings.

Around the Interwebs

Climate change will force a new American migration, and we will see it in our life time. Scary.

Campsites around SF. Maybe we’ll go, sometime, when it’s safe again.

What coffee-brewing method  makes the best-tasting cup? (I knew the pour-over was up there!)

Can’t put your finger on how you feel? Maybe The Feelings Wheel can help.

“How do you adjust to an ever-changing situation where the “new normal” is indefinite uncertainty?” Your ‘Surge Capacity’ Is Depleted — It’s Why You Feel Awful

This is why I really don’t want to get this: What young, healthy people have to fear from Covid-19.

For the love of mail.

Why some Americans refuse to social distance and wear masks. “The resistance to wearing a mask is not about public health; it’s about politics. […] The pandemic arrived at just the wrong moment — amid toxic politics, incompetent leadership, and fraying social bonds.” The saddest statement there is.

Famous sayings that don’t mean what you think they mean.

The movements that betray who you are. This was super-interesting. 

Around the blogosphere

How to vote this fall. All you need to know to cast your ballot in (or before!) November.

Another dull quarantine weekend at home, Target, Chipotle, Home Depot, and our niece’s graduation party. Beware: satire, maybe. Chuckle and then cry, is what I did.

Gabrielle always tells it like it is. The consequences of your actions. 

Trader Joe’s Fall Foods. Are you excited to try all the new seasonal items? I am not into everything pumpkin, but the rustic apple tarte and pumpkin spice granola bark look good!

Craftiness/DIY

Papercut Halloween House Lanterns. Is it too early to start preparing for Halloween? Well, bookmark these for later.

Ombre Paper Mobile (so pretty!).

These are so cute: Macrame Jar Hangers.

For my runner friends

How easy should your easy runs be?, that is the question.

How to treat and prevent foot blisters. 

A timely read. Running in bad air quality and smoke. (I am opting for the spin bike right now.)

Deliciousness

Mushroom & Spinach Breakfast Skillet. All the things I love.

We made egg noodles with an adapted version of this Mushroom & Lentil Ragù and I recommend it.

Creamy tomato & pepper pasta. Mmh, that looks delicious!

Share a good link with me in the comments!

Yes, I’ve been coming across a ton of interesting reads again in the last month. Hope you enjoy!

Around the Interwebs

Remember how I said yesterday that people get “lulled” into a sense of security  and then allow themselves to let their guard down? Here’s why I am still so cautious:  I had COVID-19, and these are the things nobody tells you. 

“In my social circles, I was considered among the least likely person to contract the disease because, basically, I abandoned the circles. I wore a mask everywhere. I followed all the rules, but a couple of weeks ago I didn’t follow my instincts. I briefly let my guard down. The coronavirus came out swinging.

The weekend before my symptoms appeared, for the first time in four months, I met friends for two dinners at two socially distanced patio tables. Nobody is required to wear masks at the tables, so I removed my mask when I sat, as did my dining partners, and we left them off during the entire time we were at the table.

I didn’t do anything that was prohibited, right? I was just following the rules, right? My guess is that I caught it there.”

Aren’t we all Michelle right now?

You can’t really argue  with this anymore. How the pandemic defeated America.

How to actually change someone’s mind.

Aging is optional.

Pending Postal Master Changes could delay mail and deliveries. I’ve already noticed a slow down in deliveries, have you?

Get your flu vaccine!

This is an interesting article about mask wearing and social change.

This is tough for so, so many: The coronavirus shutdown through the eyes of the recently unemployed. 

“Focus on outcomes rather than time spent in the office”. A Company’s New 2-Sentence Remote Work Policy.

What self-care means right now, according to experts.

An interesting perspective: One Legacy of the Pandemic May Be Less Judgment of the Child-Free.

Around the blogosphere

Cozy work from home spaces. (Show me yours?)

Under current circumstances, this is great advice: The #1 Way to Multiply Your Impact on the 2020 US Election.

How I slow down days.

I don’t care if Joe Biden was your first pick or your last, we need to elect him. 10 ways to get to work electing Joe & Kamala (hat tip @ Kate). 

Craftiness/DIY

DIY Textbook and Notebook covers. I used to do that all the time back in school and college.

Plush Toy DIY

Creative quarantine crafts.

Paper quilling art. Remember doing this at school when you were bored? 

For my runner friends

For the people in the back, repeat after me Laura: faster workouts are not better workouts. 

How to stay safe when running.

The 8 post-run mistake you should stop making. Are you guilty of any of them? I’ve done a couple of those, not regularly, but sometimes. Here’s what to do instead.

Deborah shares her tips on How To Clean Your Running Watch. Have you cleaned yours?

How to recover after a long run.

Deliciousness

Arnold Palmer Popsicles? Count me in!

We’ve been staying away from Asian take-out recently, but I think I’ll try this when the next craving for Asian food hits: Thai Basil Sesame Cashew Chicken.

I see some Bacon, Cheddar, + Veggie ‘Sunrise’ Scones in my future.

A recipe for a lighter, fresher Lemon Tiramisu. Sounds perfect for summer!

Share a good link with me in the comments!

Not a surprise, a lot of links this month are related to the BLM movement and Coronavirus. Take it or leave it.

Around the Interwebs

If you only click on one link today, make it this one: Voter registration deadlines. Make sure you’re registered in your state!

It does not matter if you’re good.

Experts way the risks of 14 summer activities.

This is why we can’t let up. It’s been setting in on me that this is like a cycle.

Here’s how to discuss unconscious bias.

How to make this moment the turning point for real change.

A resource guide for anti-racism and being an ally.

When 511 Epidemiologists Expect to Fly, Hug and Do 18 Other Everyday Activities Again.

How to scorch a casual gaslighter.

How white women can use their privilege to end racism.

A 400-square-foot London loft. 

These 6 minutes have stayed with me and I have “referenced” them in conversations.

Eight habits many would like to keep post-lockdown.

The virus will win.

Have you seen this Pandemic risk scorecard? I’ll definitely not be doing most of these things anytime soon. 

Around the blogosphere

20 books to read about white privilege and being anti-racist.

What color is nude?

How I feel right now as a black woman.

The health benefits of turmeric. I’ve started taking it a month ago.

Craftiness/DIY

Mini Crochet Lamb Pattern. Cuuute!

15 paper leaves templates.

How to make a battery-operated outdoor light.

For my runner friends

How to increase your race pace. New runners are obsessed with their paces (I was one of them), but this post is really good, because it points out that you develop fitness over months and years, not days and weeks. It took me a few years to really see a significant increase in my paces.

4 research-back reasons why you should exercise for stress relief.

Running and hydration. Do you drink enough?

Is planking part of your strength training? Plank benefits for runners.

Deliciousness

That looks like the perfect BBQ side dish: Middle Eastern Fattoush Salad.

I am a fan of one pot meals, aren’t you? One Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Tortellini.

I have sourdough discard and would love to try these sourdough pancakes.

Share a good link with me in the comments!

Around the Interwebs

Weighing your risk.

A science journalist explains how the Spanish flu changed the world

What most liberals don’t realize. 

Inside the Flour Company Supplying America’s Sudden Baking Obsession (I knew why I liked King Arthur Flour, and in case you wanted to know why there is a flour shortage.)

This is the problem with thinking you know more than the experts.

What to Ask Instead of ‘How Are You?’ During a Pandemic.

That relentless brain fog you might be experiencing through this pandemic is called allostatic load.

Around the blogosphere

Have you heard from anyone surprising lately? I must admit, I’ve been reaching out to a couple of people that I’ve lost touch with. I was surprised that they popped in my mind when the pandemic started, but I also felt like this is a sign and as good as any other time to reconnect, so why not?

Steph lives inside my head, I swear. 

Craftiness/DIY

DIY Wood Nightstand with Drawer. I wish I was more into – and had more space for – carpentry.

For my runner friends

What new runners really need to know. Need a good chuckle? 

Magnesium for athletes. Do you get enough or take supplements?

Deliciousness

Jalapeño Chicken Salad Sandwiches. Sounds yummy!

We’ve made Salisbury Steak a couple of times. It’s so easy and good.

This sounds like the perfect summer dish: Caprese Prosciutto Farro Salad.

I’ll have one – or five – of these Almond Raspberry Cheesecake Bars, please and thank you.

Share a good link with me in the comments!