Happy Thursday! The past couple of weeks have been spring-loaded! I’m happy to say life is progressing happily, healthily, and heartily onward and upward. I know that’s vague, but it’s also true. We’ve been living well around here: I’ve been working, pulling together submissions for my novel, cooking, writing, and training. I’m in the final countdown to my 18-mile race on May 12 (a month away!), followed by my June 9 sprint triathlon, and then my July 29 marathon. Needless to say, I’ve got this body moving!
Of course, rest and relaxation are a humongous part of training, and I have no qualms about lazing around on the couch if my muscles need it. So sit back, put your feet up, and enjoy this week’s round of Things I Love Thursday. You can consider it part of your training.
1. A Real Food Lover shared a recipe for Raw Coconut Fudge with No Sugar:
Okay, sweet potato?? Simply brilliant. I made this with pumpkin and it turned out equally awesome. Stay tuned for photos soon!
2. Whole Foods to stop selling unsustainable seafood, via NPR:
Starting on Earth Day, April 22nd, all Whole Foods markets will drop all seafood rated red, according to the Monterey Bay Aquarium / Blue Ocean Institute’s Seafood Watch rating system. (Somewhat related: did you know Seafood Watch is available as an app? Never leave home without it!)
I’m not one of those people who solely shops at WF, but I am a huge supporter of moves like this. WAY TO GO!
3. This June marks the 40th anniversary of Title IX. FitSugar clued us in with the history of this landmark law:
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
It’s shocking to me that it wasn’t long ago that girls were not allowed to play sports in school. While it’s hard for me to imagine not being allowed to run track or play lacrosse, it’s truly mind-blowing that this law is only a bit older than I am. Title IX changed everything for girls’ sports and women’s athletics in the United States!
Will you be doing anything special on June 23rd to celebrate this tremendous anniversary??
4. Real Simple shared 10 Luscious Lemon Desserts.
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’re probably familiar with my love of all things lemon. These desserts take the cake! (Ha!) Seriously, they’re decadent and not things I’d make all the time (so sugary!) but excellent ideas for a spring party or a special day.
Yellow Lemon Cake With Candied Lemons and Pistachios from Real Simple
5. Codeacademy now offers beginner HTML classes, via Mashable:
If you’re not familiar with Codeacademy, do yourself a favor and check them out. They offer FREE online tutorials in coding, but up until now, have been focused on JavaScript.
Which is great, if you already understand the basics. If you’re new to HTML (CSS is still in the works, apparently) or if you need a refresher, get started learning how to build a web page and be on your way to Internet fame and fortune in no time!
6.Via Paste Magazine, 20 musicians who write about music:
I’m one of those non-musician-music-fans who loves to hear musicians talk about music. Some people find it boring, like hearing writers talk about writing or runners talk about running…but I’m totally fascinated by the art-meets-science of musicianship.
So, this list was right up my alley. It includes Carrie Brownstein (of Sleater-Kinney / Wild Flag and, of course, Portlandia), who’s writing a memoir; Mike Doughty of Soul Coughing; Ira Kaplan of Yo La Tengo; and more. Links to their writings, of course, are included within the text.
7. Tomboy Style: Beyond the Boundaries of Fashion ~ the book is out!:
I’ve mentioned my favorite fashion blog, Tomboy Style, a few times here and I was therefore STOKED to get their new book for my birthday from my sister!! It’s Katherine Hepburn-meets-Kathrine Switzer, Patti Smith-meets-Audrey Hepburn: spirited, bold, outdoorsy gals with class, style, and a smudge of dirt on their cheeks. It is THE fashion book for the “classic girl” in your life. Check it out!
8. Addicted to Veggies shared her Strawberry Cream Pie with Chocolate Almond Crust:
Whoa. Hello? Drooooooooling!
Also: raw! Vegan! Seriously an amazing-looking dessert, perfect for mid-spring transitioning to sandals and sundresses!
9. How to Meditate Daily, via Leo Babauta of Zen Habits:
I literally cannot imagine my life without meditation. In the 20 years I’ve been practicing (I know, I started young), I’ve discovered that the less I try, the more natural it becomes. Easier said than done, perhaps, but any habit can be built gradually. Even a habit of letting go.
Leo lays it out well, sharing perhaps the best tip of all: start small. Two minutes a day is a LOT when you’re just starting out or when you’re returning to a meditation practice after a break. Yet, you can gain ALL the benefits of meditation in just those 2 minutes. Let go. Be present. Just be.
10. Finally, How to Whistle with Your Fingers, via The Art of Manliness:
Sad face, because I have tried this repeatedly and still cannot do it. I think I have some fear factor to get over (like, will I scare the cats? Will my neighbors think I’m nuts?) Nevertheless, I will continue trying! It’s a fabulous skill to have!
That’s all for now ~ have a wonderful weekend 
What are some great things you’ve seen this week?
Got any fun plans for the weekend?
