Happy Friday! I have lots of links for you today.

To Read (and Listen)
17 People On The Most Important Thing They Wish They’d Learned Sooner
The 18 Essential Minneapolis Restaurants. I've only been to three of these--Pizzeria Lola, Brasa, and The Strip Club, but we have a Butcher & the Boar reservation for our anniversary!
We started a book club at The Eighty Twenty and our March picks have been posted! I'll be leading the One More Thing discussion.
I had no idea that Chris Carrabba had a new band but he does and it's everything! Thank you Diana for making me aware of this interview--I've been listening to their stuff all morning and I can't wait to buy the album.

Pretty Things
I'm seriously coveting this bar cart. $950--no big deal, right?
You guys, these sunglasses are $5.80. I bought them in black/brown and wear them every day.
I'm excited to have Philly Loves Lacquer--a vegan, handmade nail polish brand--as a sponsor this month!
This top is seriously springy and cute. I'm ready for fun tops and sandals!
Never in my life have I worn a jumpsuit, but I might give it a shot for this one.

Frozen
I finally saw the film over the weekend, so I've been all about it this week.
How pretty is this cover of "Let It Go?"
I hate to give this woman any more traffic, but I had to share this incredibly ridiculous and offensive take on the film.
I much prefer (and agree with) this piece.

To Watch
I loved every minute of this Game of Thrones Season 4 Foreshadowing and was sad when it was over.
(Speaking of Game of Thrones, how cute are these guys?)

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This weekend, Rob and I are planning another Happy Gnome lunch date and heading to the jeweler to pick up our wedding rings! I also want to read, work out, and get myself organized since I'll be heading to Virginia in just one week! I'm working on a super exciting collaboration with La Crema and I absolutely can't wait to start sharing details with you all!

Happy Friday! I have a little collection of links for you this weekend. It's been a busy week with work and wedding details, so I'm really looking forward to a few more days relaxing and going to all my favorite places with my brother and Rob. It's just so nice to have Sean here.

An Open Letter From Dylan Farrow. Powerful stuff.

I wrote a sponsored post for Koss with FitFluential back in December, and they're back again this month to let you know that all models and colors of the Koss Fit Series (FitBuds and FitClips) are on sale for a limited time at Walgreens for only $19.99! I'm a huge fan of my FitClips, and I use them all the time.

My good friend Desiré is back to blogging and I'm so glad.

I've been looking for the perfect mixed-metal watch forever, so if anyone wants to get this one for me, I won't say no!
I love these sweet flats.
This top is so cute--and it's on sale!
These coasters are awesome. I need them!

Did you watch the Super Bowl? I loved the Coca-Cola commercial! So beautiful.
And I think we all loved Budweiser's Best Buds commercial, right? I've watched it at least ten times.

Remembering Philip Seymour Hoffman, Lester Bangs, and 'Almost Famous,' by Jaan Uhelszki
Also on the subject of Philip Seymour Hoffman's tragic death, this piece about heroin overdoses and possible solutions was really interesting and hopeful to me.

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We're off to do some snowshoe adventuring today! What are you up to all weekend?

Happy weekend! I have fewer links than usual for you this week, so I'm not categorizing them like I normally would.

23 Reasonable Things Every Person Should Resolve To Do In The New Year. A lot of them spoke to me but I especially loved number four: "Understand that the opposite of love is indifference. Re-evaluate your relationships with that in mind."

The Daily Routines of Famous Writers. Creating and sticking with a daily writing routine has been nearly impossible for me. Do you write every day? What does your routine look like?

I'd totally wear these heels with everything.

This cracked me up: College Students' Thesis Topics Are Hilarious, Depressing. My favorites (thought they're all pretty funny) were "Mark Rothko was a huge asshole." and "Look at this zombie. Isn't it racist and sexist? Yes, it is."

A really important read: You Probably Don't Have Bipolar Disorder (Or One Of These 7 Other Conditions)

A few favorites from a new-to-me shop: this faux fur wrap, these gorgeous earrings, and this super fun dress.

This was so interesting and makes so much sense. (On the difference between using "you're so smart" and "you worked so hard" as praise for your children.)

This Is What -40°F Feels Like. It's really cold.

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Rob's in the middle of a big work project, so he'll actually be at the office this weekend more than he's at home, which is a bummer after a busy week for both of us. But I'm looking forward to using Saturday to get myself organized and finally pack for Alt Summit! And on Sunday I think my friend Daci and I might hit Modern Times for brunch. What are you up to this weekend?

Hello and happy Friday from my parents' house in Virginia! I haven't posted Friday Favorites in a while, but I've been saving plenty of links since the last one. Hope you enjoy!

I meant to share this with you quite a while ago, but WholeMe sent me some snacks and I absolutely loved them. They sell grain-free, Paleo-friendly bars and cereal and it is all just so good. My favorite was definitely this cereal, which I shared a link to in Cave Girl's December newsletter. It's especially good with a couple spoon-fulls of almond butter, a sliced banana, and a splash of almond milk.

To Read
Before the Web, Hearts Grew Silent. What a beautiful piece.
A little late, but here's a fall reading list from Verily Magazine. Have you read any of these?
Make a new blog friend this weekend with Helene in Between.
I loved this piece about learning to be sad. I loved the author's use of the words "to sit with sadness."
Such an interesting essay: A Textual Analysis of The Hunger Games

Inspiring
How I Faced My Fears and Learned to Be Good at Math. As someone who is really bad at math, this spoke to me.
Such a gorgeous video: "Disabled" Mannequins Remind Us That Beautiful Doesn't Mean "Perfect"
Google Zeitgeist 2013. Google's videos always make me feel so glad to be a human in this world today.

Cute Stuff
Loving this sweet dress. I'm not sure if I like it more in orange or blue.
These little earrings remind me of Christmas cookies.

Funny and/or Interesting
30 Amazing Things That Get Mind-Boggling If You Really Think About Them
Jon Stewart's reaction to Megyn Kelly's racism was just too good.
For Everyone Who Would Have Chosen Aidan over Mr. Big. Please tell me some of you are with me.
In honor of the holidays, a very helpful chart on how not to be an asshole.

To Watch
Did you see my video for Bayer CropScience's Thankful4Ag campaign? It was such a pleasure working on this.
Pentatonix's Little Drummer Boy gives me chills.
Some of my friends and I have news! Keep an eye out--it's going to be good.

Sponsored
The Bouqs is giving away twelve months of bouquets! Enter to win at the end of this post.

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It's really nice being home. Tomorrow I have my wedding day hair trial and a photo shoot with Ashley of VA Photography and then on Sunday, Rob is getting in. What do you have planned this weekend?

Sometimes I feel like a really good planner, with my little editorial calendar and notebook filled to the brim with ideas and paragraphs from essays I want to write, and then sometimes I look at the calendar and realize it's November 8th and I haven't shared my Instagram recap for October, which I know some of you don't care for but I really like. So today I'm wrapping Life Lately According to Instagram into a Friday Favorites post--two series that I don't pay regular enough attention to, but love too much to do away with. I hope you enjoy.



Culture and Inspiration
Sleeping Stranger Subway Picture On Q Train Defines Empathy And Is A Lesson In Being Good.
This piece on writing for a living was motivating to me: Slaves of the Internet, Unite!
Loved this sweet baby with passion eyes so much.
Artist Puts Disney Princess Filter On 10 Real Life Female Role Models. This whole thing is good, but I wanted to quote a section here because it really spoke to me: "Fiction is the lens through which young children first perceive role models, so we have a responsibility to provide them with a diverse and eclectic selection of female archetypes. Now, I'm not even saying that girls shouldn't have princesses in their lives...but there should be more options to choose from. So that was my intent, to demonstrate how ridiculous it is to paint an entire gender of heroes with one superficial brush."

Food and Some Reading
I can't get over how awesome these Epic Bars seem. I need to get some and try them out!
An interesting read: Broccoli's Extreme Makeover.
This looks like a really interesting read--I'm putting it on my list!
A new blog to check out: The Happy Type

Other Stuff
I want this pumpkin chai candle!
Sponsored: I'm working with Bing's Smart Search this month. Do you use it?
I thought this was so interesting: Swedish cinemas take aim at gender bias with Bechdel test rating.
Anyone have any ideas for Tara?
Edward Cullen is the worst boyfriend ever--but I think we already knew that. Here are 19 reasons why.
I can't wait to meet up with Eliza and do some collaborating with her photography business a bit when I'm home for Thanksgiving.

Quote of the Week
Those who make compassion an essential part of their lives find the joy of life. Kindness deepens the spirit and produces rewards that cannot be completely explained in words. It is an experience more powerful than words. To become acquainted with kindness one must be prepared to learn new things and feel new feelings. Kindness is more than a philosophy of the mind. It is a philosophy of the spirit. --Robert J. Furey

Happy Friday! I hope you all have had a wonderful week. Rob and I are home all weekend with no visitors and plans to walk through an apple orchard on Saturday morning. I encountered a new favorite coffee shop in Minneapolis that serves almond milk, so we might be stopping there first for a latte. But until then, here are some links!

Life
Five Truths That Will Make Running Your Biz (And Your Life) Infinitely Easier. I especially liked number five. I'm definitely trying to learn how to do something positive with fear and doubt.
Six Pieces of Advice You Need To Follow If You Actually Want Your Long Distance Relationship To Work. I'm glad this doesn't apply to me anymore, but I thought it was a decent list.

Food and Health
A Doctor and a Chef Talk About Meat
A little self-promotion: Cave Girl Consulting is taking new clients, so if you need any Paleo coaching, I'm your girl!

Books and Music
I was really unexpectedly moved by this letter from Ernest Hemingway to F. Scott Fitzgerald. Even in his everyday writing, Hemingway was beautifully gifted. On enjoying letter-writing, he says "It's such a swell way to keep from working and yet feel you've done something."
Idina and Kristen, back together to shoot some Wicked-themed photos for the musical's tenth anniversary. Swoon.
This gave me a good laugh--High School Freshman Thinks ‘Romeo And Juliet’ Might Just Be Her Favorite Play. I had a fantastic Medieval Literature professor in college who pretty much ruined that play for me in the best way possible, so the snob in me always loves hearing anyone go on and on about how romantic it is.
This Pentatonix cover of Lourde's Royals blew my mind. I can't get enough a capella, ever.

Culture and Current Events
Hearing Malala Yousafzai speak to Jon Stewart felt like an honor, and I loved both her strength and Stewart's reaction to her words. However, this article made a couple arguments I hadn't thought about yet. What do you think?
Slate Forgot That the One Common Factor in Rapes Are Rapists. When are we going to stop blaming victims?

Cute Stuff
Have you guys met Tara? She has an awesome shop called Starletta Designs that you should check out this weekend!
I lost a pair of boots that looked almost exactly like these and I miss them every fall day of my life! Where could they be? Maybe I should replace them already.
This rose gold and snake-embossed watch is kind of different from my usual style, but I'm seriously loving it.
I would be warmer and a lot cuter if only I had this faux fur infinity scarf.

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What have you been reading/listening to/adding to your wishlist lately? What's on your agenda this weekend?

Happy Friday, friends! I've had a bit of a weird week, getting back into the swing of things after our time out of town and doing what feels like a pile of never-ending laundry. I am the worst ever unpack-er, and I'm a little embarrased to admit that my suitcase from Virginia is still mostly full. But we're having friends over for dinner for the first time in this apartment tonight, and tomorrow Rob and I are headed to Chicago for the rest of the weekend!

I have a lot of fun posts lined up for next week, and on Wednesday my mom will arrive in Minneapolis and we're spending the week together before her sister and my cousin join us from Montana. But until then, here are some links I've been saving to share with you all:

Culture
New Guinness Ad Breaks The Industry Stereotype. Beautiful.
This book seems gross on so many levels! And sad, too.
Pope Francis keeping it real: Church can't "interfere" with gays. Baby steps, I guess.
I've recently gotten involved with Speak Now, a non-profit that works to empower young women. Check them out, and send me an email if you'd like to get involved!

Music, Movies, and TV
I can't even tell you how excited I am about this movie. David Sedaris is my favorite. I also love Corey Stoll.
This Actually Happened. Once again, Sam just nails it. And so eloquently, too. (More here.)
Well, this commercial gave me passion eyes if I've ever had them.
So, I had no idea the show Orange is the New Black was based on a memoir. I need to read it!

Food and Fitness
I'm kind of obsessed with Inspiralized. Ali is so awesome! And now I need a spiralizer.
I really hurt myself the other day at CrossFit, so this article really spoke to me. Be careful, you guys!
18 Extremely Disappointing Facts About "Healthy" Foods.

Other Stuff
I've been enjoying Amanda's blog so much recently. She's also fantastic on Instagram.
This email chain is too much. I had a good laugh with my girlfriends about it.
Is it Christmas?
My friend Melissa sent me this video of sea turtles hatching and she's right, it's magical.
Can't get enough of Laura and John's style--they're so cool!
Some new blogs to check out this weekend: Royal Proclaims, The Hunt Life, and What You Make It.

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What have you been reading and looking forward to lately? Any Chicagoans have a restaurant recommendation? Wishing you all a fun, safe, and cozy fall weekend!

Happy Friday! It's a holiday weekend, my birthday is on Wednesday, and tomorrow Rob and I are going to the Minnesota State Fair to pet sheep and eat everything in sight.

I have a list of links for you this weekend! Hope you enjoy.

Blogs and Things
I'm in love with Kelly Ann's new online space. And I love seeing Cave Girl on her Design page!
Just a few more days to advertise on Freckled Italian for 75% off (and enter to win some free ad space).
My soon-to-be mother-in-law went to Africa and took some awesome photos. I can't wait to see the rest!
Don't forget to enter to win this beautiful tote from the Moorea Seal shop!
Julia Child's My Life in France (pictured above) is just delicious.

Cute Things
This dress is so sweet.
I need a pair of big, chunky platforms like these.
Love these photos from Allison's wedding. Happy anniversary, you guys!
Just look at Tara's kitties! They're so pretty.

Culture and Society
Interesting piece on  polyamorous relationships.
This made me so sad. I can't imagine! People can be too mean.
Oxford English Dictionary Officially Updates Marriage Definition to Include Same-Sex Couples. That's right!
Sex Drive-In Opens for Business in Switzerland. I actually think this is fabulous.
11 Untranslatable Words From Other Cultures.

Food and Health
Yikes! 59% of the "Tuna" Americans Eat Is Not Tuna.
What Happens to the Brain When You Meditate. Rob and I want to try to make meditation a thing we do.
Coming Out of Whole30. I thought this had some really great tips. I've never done a Whole30 but I know people often struggle with making lasting changes once they've finished.

Other Stuff
25 Things That Get Harder After 25. Yes to all of these, already.
The most beautiful comic."To invent your own life's meaning is not easy, but it's still allowed, and I think you'll be happier for the trouble."
Sponsored: I've been working with Ice Mountain® over the past couple of weeks.  Check out their Facebook page here. It's been fun! Thanks for your support when I work with sponsors--it means a lot to me.

What are you up to this weekend? Anyone else headed to the State Fair tomorrow?

Books, TV, and Movies
Loved this piece on Laverne Cox and Orange Is The New Black. Are you watching it? I'm ready to start.
I read How I Live Now in a Literature for Young Adults class in undergrad and loved it. The film looks like it's going to be amazing (I love Saoirse Ronan), but I'm curious to see what they do with the whole sex-with-her-cousin thing.

Materialism
Fall makes me want to wear jeans and my favorite tees every day. I'm feeling the need to stock up at Everlane soon.
Currently on my wishlist: this bright jumpsuit, these little boots, and this fabulous watch.

Blogs
Melissa is such a sweetheart. I appreciated her post on not offending when offended.
A beautiful post by Dani.
Maddie is so fun, and she can whip up a mean cocktail. See here and here.
I'm dying over Robyn's kayaking adventure in Canada. I'm not that outdoorsy, but something about having to paddle your way to a magical little hideaway sounds, well, magical.

Wedding
Rob and I are taking engagement pictures at the end of September and I have been wondering what we're going to wear. Our photographer posted some tips on what to wear on her blog. Perfect timing, Ashley!
I would totally walk down the aisle to this song if the lyrics weren't so crazy. Think I can make it in forty seconds?
And while we're at it, if I lived in California, Joelle would so totally be my wedding planner.

Videos
The New Mumford & Sons Music Video Parodies Itself and It's Amazing. And I cried.
I'm loving this song so much, and the video is just as beautiful.
A Pep Talk from Kid President to You
She's a Legend covers Mad World. No big deal, that's just my brother's band.

Hello from Minneapolis! It's awesome being here with my mom and Sean. And Rob, my brother, and I are all going to see The Postal Service play tonight in St. Paul! Until then, check out some links I've been hoarding over the past week or two:

Culture
Beautiful words written by a professor I had at Longwood. Her blog is just good in general.
Randomly came across this fantastic campaign the other day and was overwhelmed: Six Overused Creepy Sentences That I Wish Always Had These Surprise Endings.
Interesting study: Women Buy Expensive Gear to Ward Off Rivals.

TV, Movies, and Books
Game of Thrones Characters Return from the Dead at Comic-Con. I must go to Comic-Con.
23 Tips from Famous Writers. I particularly love Neil Gaiman's advice.
Awesome essay on heteronormativity in Ender's Game that tasks, How Queer is Ender?

Cute Things
I'm so not going to need these for very long in Minnesota, but I still love them.
My ModCloth dress obsession is going nowhere fast. See here, here, and here.
(That last one would be perfect for my bridal shower next year and my birthday is in September. Just sayin'.)
Not ready for boots yet, but I've had my eye on this UGG bag for years now.

Inspiration
This looked like what was probably the most culturally rich and interesting wedding I've ever seen.
My Posthumous Advice for My Daughter. This had me laughing and crying at the same time. How beautiful.
Loved these thoughts on majoring in English.

Other Stuff
72 Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Tail Unearthed in Nearly Perfect Condition. So cool.
New blog friends to say hi to this weekend: Britt and Alison.
Remember that e-book giveaway that was hosted by Sarah a few weeks ago? Until August 31, you can use the coupon code FRECKLED13 and get 20% off her book. Get it here!

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Have a wonderful weekend! We're showing Sean and my mom around and soaking up as much time with them as possible before they head back to Virginia. What will you be up to?

I got home from Philadelphia at around noon today and proceeded to sleep for four hours. Working out of town really takes it out of you. I ate a lot of wonderful food but didn't get much sleep. I'm glad to be home! Tomorrow I'm having brunch with my friend Shawna, getting my hair colored, and doing some more packing for Minnesota.

Here are some links from the past few weeks--it's been a while since I did a Friday Favorites, and hey, better late than never, right? I'm looking forward to a week or two from now when I can really jump back into blogging. It's been crazy around here!

So many good resources on Function. I'm looking forward to diving in soon!

Emma seems so sweet, and her blog is adorable!

On my current wishlist: this cute dress, this one, and this adorable white one (still looking for pretty bridal shower things). And okay, look at this little pink thing!

This was disappointing: Racists Very Upset Over Interracial Family in Cute Cheerios Commercial.
(But this was awesome: kids react to the commercial and don't see what the big deal is.)

I've seen these before and they move me every time.

Chicastic has cute little bridal and evening clutches, and their prices are really reasonable. And speaking of deals, Stylzoo is packed with clothes, jewelry, and more for under $20.

I'm enjoying Sarah's Weekend in Photos series. She's a sweetheart.

Disqus is kind of working, so if you can't leave a comment while I figure it out, just click on the individual post itself and the widget should show up. This has been frustrating! But I think it'll be worth it. Thanks for hanging with me while I figure that out and while I finish up my last week of work and move to Minneapolis!

Hello from Minneapolis! It's so nice to be back and visiting Rob. He picked me up at the airport yesterday and we immediately went out for some Thai food on a patio! It's going to be a nice weekend.
Check out a few links I've loved over the past few weeks:

I loved the Google Doodle on Maurice Sendak's birthday a few weeks ago.

This killed me. Someone on Reddit asked their father for the names of Game of Thrones characters, and this is what he got.

These photos were so heart-warming. What a great week to be an American!

Grandmas from around the world posing with their cuisine. So cool. I want to go to their houses for dinner and hug them.

Love this little white dress. Maybe for a bridal shower or engagement party?

And this tea print dress is too cute. I need more printed sundresses in my life.

Some of these were awesome (especially with the dragon!). I just want to give Wendy Davis a high five.

Original Winnie the Pooh drawings come to life in a new app. I love that artwork and I love Winnie!

An Open Letter to Paula Deen, written honestly from such an eloquent man. I'm glad this came to my attention so I can follow Michael W. Twitty. So interesting.

Alison is just really cool. I can't get enough of her bright and awesome engagement shots she shared for her anniversary here and here.

Don't forget that all ad spaces are 25% off this week!

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I'm working from home today and then we're meeting some new friends for drinks! We also have a trip to Ikea in our future. What are you up to this weekend?

Happy weekend to you! I've had a crazy week--work was extra busy, I managed to stop by the venue where we'll be getting married to taste our wedding dinner, and I've reached out to almost all my bridesmaids (who are all over the place, from Charlottesville to New York to South Korea)!

I've been flip-flopping between feeling overwhelmed with all the things I want to get done early and feeling a little embarrassed about booking a photographer only two and a half weeks into our engagement. And also trying to talk about something other than the wedding, which, as you can see, is almost impossible for me right now.

Anyway, here are some links for your weekend! I hope you enjoy:

I mentioned that one of my best friends, Patrick, finally married his fiancé Chad last week. Here are photos from their awesome photographer.

Loved this: The faces behind some Disney villains.

I am so glad that Kelly Ann is back to blogging. Everything she does and says is beautiful.

One of my favorite professors was featured in a Longwood News Release. You're so cool, Dr. McGee!

I almost always have the itch for a new watch, so I'm glad I found Watch Warehouse. I have my eye on this skinny little Michael Kors one.

This blew my mind. Science!

And this broke my heart. I think the BSA will be better off without these kind of people.

I love Danielle's blog and hearing about her awesome adventures with yeast-free eating.

I meant to post this last time, but my amazing friend Amanda started a blog. You can read her first post here.

I loved looking at these maps showing the ways we say different words around the country. So interesting!

Promoted content: The Hunt is a community that helps you find the items you covet but can't find--it's sort of an online shopper's dream come true.

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I'm having dinner and drinks at my favorite place with two of my girlfriends tonight, and then I'm looking forward to a relaxing Saturday and a brunch date on Sunday in Charlottesville with two of my bridesmaids! What fun things do you have planned this weekend?

Well, it certainly doesn't feel like Friday to me because I've practically been on vacation all week, but after two days at work I'm off again and ready for another long weekend! This morning my brother and I are heading to Charlottesville to pick up one of his friends, and then we're all driving to DC for a wedding on Saturday. And this afternoon, my fiancé (that didn't take long to get used to!) is flying in from Minneapolis and the weekend can officially begin!

I've got sundresses on the brain: this one, this one, and this one. (Can you tell I love ModCloth?)

Cute and Pretty Things
I can't get over this gorgeous photo of Neil Patrick Harris and his family.
A bathtub full of puppies! What more could anyone want?
Use the code FRECKLED at checkout for 30% off your order at the Case Study Shop!
I took a look at Joules' dresses online and now I need everything.

Culture
I really loved this: Saying No to the Say No to Size Zero Campaign
From last week: The 60 Best Signs Against DOMA and Prop 8 at the Supreme Court
The Equals Record is one of my favorite places to hang out online, and I loved this collection of pieces on Marriage Equality.

Food
50 Shades of Gluten Intolerance
I'm so excited to read about Danielle's experience after changing her diet.

Random
I had this dead succulent in a windowsill and it sprouted a new, healthy one, but now I'm in a panic over how to care for it. I think this article makes sense, but I'm not sure. Anyone have any tips? I'm horrible with plants.
I got stopped by Roanoke Times Style Street blogger David Verde and was in the paper, which was kind of fun. You can read the online version here.
Loved this awesome response to a truly ridiculous piece from a bitter high schooler.

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Rob and I have two weeks before we get to spend time together again, so the weekend isn't that exciting for me, but I have plenty to do for the next few days. After travelling so much over the past month or so, I'm really looking forward to a few days of relaxing and recharging. What are your plans for the weekend?

Happy Friday! Being a little under the weather has also made me feel a little anxious. I ate a lot of junk food, but managed to go to bed early every night. You win some, you lose some!

Some weekend reading for you:

Funny, Cute, and Pretty
This killed me--Boss Really Getting On Man's Ass About Finishing NCAA Bracket. I love The Onion.
How sweet is this little polka dotted background for your phone or computer? Nice and spring-y!
I treated myself to a new dress for Melissa's wedding this summer.
I love Maddie's blog--so sweet and creative.

Culture 
I loved this beautiful story about Hillary Thompson, an inspiring transgender skateboarder.
Almost fist-pumped while reading about the Westboro Equality House. Aaron Jackson, let's be friends.
Fantastic thoughts on the Stuebenville rape trial and our culture of rape in general: "I can't imagine doing anything to someone who is passed out, other than finding them a blanket and rolling them onto their side in case they puke."
This was a really beautiful piece about modern marriage.

Odds & Ends
This blog post about having a deaf dog resonated with me as Rocky's hearing has already said "see ya!".
Cool photos from a springtime snow in China.
I started doing this plan this week to get my butt in gear. It's kind of like having a coach.
My friend Jackie has a cute stationary shop--but I also love this banner she sells.
I love reading people's "Currently" posts--read Robyn's here!
Have you checked out Feedly? I love it! I don't even care that Google Reader is discontinuing anymore!

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I'm off to Northern Virginia after work today to hang out with Rob and his brothers--he got in yesterday and I can't wait to get there! I'm also hoping to say hi to and get coffee with a few friends while I'm in town. What do you have planned this weekend?

Here are some links for you this weekend:

Cute and Hilarious
Love these dogs. "We'll just wait here for you!"
Goats Yelling Like Humans
Betsy did a Seven Little Quirks post like mine and I loved it! Do you have one? I want to know your quirks!

Culture
A hopeful read: Prominent Republicans Sign Brief in Support of Gay Marriage
This broke my heart at first, but I was so happy to see that update when I went to re-read the article yesterday.
Anne Hathaway: In Defense of the Happy Girl
Loved this woman and was so irritated with the interviewer: 10 Questions for Katrin Himmler
The Tyranny of the Queen Bee: this made me wish I were still writing my thesis!
Enough Feisty Princesses: Disney Needs an Introverted Heroine

Pretty Things
These photos are dreamy. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Sam!
Shannon's blog is so sweet.
I bought myself this sequined collar this week and it's gorgeous! I can't wait to wear it, maybe this weekend. (EDIT: I wore it today! See?)
My friend Eliza just opened a shop full of sweet rugs and other housewares. Pay her a visit!

Literary Stuff
Writers and Kitties. I think it's sweet that Ernest Hemingway makes so many appearances on this blog.
The top ten grammar myths. I love Grammar Girl so much.

Sponsored by WideAngle
It's the fourth (and final) week of the WAALove contest and if you upload a picture of yourself, you can win a Canon EOS Rebel T4i. See details here.

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I'm looking forward to picking Rob up at the airport tonight and spending the weekend together! What about you?

Happy Friday to you! How was everyone's week? I went to the eye doctor on Wednesday because I've been experiencing some blurred vision periodically and found out I have astigmatism and need glasses for when I'm working! I picked out some really pretty ones and I'm excited to not have to focus so hard on seeing what's in front of me anymore.

Check out some links that I've been saving for you since last time:

Cute/Funny
This was adorable and hilarious--a six-year-old judges some books by their covers (found on The Rumpus).
I can't get over how wonderful this dog is!

Apparently this Category is Religion
I loved reading this piece, and I think I'd like to get there someday--No matter what, I'm still Catholic.
A co-worker of mine sent me this link and we had a pretty good WTF Moment over it. Seriously?
Pretty interesting visual in this article--Religion and Science Are Closer Than You Think.

Fashion
These boots are perfect.
I want this bracelet.
These sunglasses and this bag (in lemon) have me dreaming of spring.

Blogs/Blogging
A new blog friend for you to make this weekend: Esther Fox.
My brother's band started a blog. You can check it out and follow along right here.
I loved this post by Betsy.
Get Excited! I'm so excited about my friend Ed's new recycling venture, which you can learn even more about right here.

Sponsored by WideAngle
WideAngle is all about discovering, sharing and saving the photo memories you love. This month, they're giving away a new camera every week. Learn more about the campaign and enter here. (And thanks for your support as I occasionally work with sponsors!)

Inspiration
I went to a screening of The Startup Kids last night and it was amazing. It was awesome to see how much enthusiasm there is for creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship right here in Roanoke.

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I'm looking forward to a weekend of reading, writing, and Rocky-walking. What do you have planned?