17 Cool Things You Need to Click On Today

Springtime walk to school, beloved white Birks, and my sweet little mini 

Allergies, man. I don't normally get them unless things are really, really bad, but I have them now. Big-time. Thank god I'm working from home today, because I'm going to slather my red, raw face with this awesome thing and park myself indoors as much as possible while it does its magic.

Tonight I have a fun dinner--followed by margaritas!--with some local mom friends. Then, this weekend, I've set aside a big chunk of time for some major decluttering that needs to get done. Pray for me!

Here's a few fun links to check out when you have a moment. Enjoy--and have a great weekend!

• I've wanted a Mara Hoffman dress for-EVER, but I haven't been able to decide which one to get. Then I saw this one yesterday and ordered it immediately. I love, love, love the colors and the cutouts, which are a little sexy without showing...really anything. Can't wait until it arrives!

• I lived in these white Birkenstocks last summer, and I'm definitely planning on making good use of them this summer, too. But I also want to add a new pair to the mix. I've had my eyes on the gold Birks at J.Crew for weeks now. I was about to pull the trigger, but then found them here for $40 less! They also have them in this cool coppery color, too.

• This week's post on my friend Nadine keeping her baby a secret for six months is already one of my all-time most popular posts! If you loved it, you must check out Nadine's post on her blog with side by side photos that show how she sneakily (and expertly!) concealed her pregnancy on social media.

• And OMG! The secret-pregnancy post JUST got picked up by Refinery 29! It's used as the catalyst for a very interesting piece on honesty in social media. Thoughts?

• This New York Times expose of the horrifying conditions in nail salons was a major topic of conversation last week for me and my beauty-industry friends. So I was very interested in this behind-the-scenes chat with the editor of the piece where he talks about how and why it went viral.

• The video of the horribly racist Georgia principal being horribly racist at a graduation ceremony is a must-watch if you haven't seen it already. And I found Kristen's thoughtful explanation of the racism displayed to be fascinating (especially the concept of "ascribing" versus "describing"). Seriously...read it!

• So, according to this name generator, in 1910, my name would have been Melvina. But get this: If I was born in 1940, it says my name would have been MADONNA. #missedopportunity

• These 25 gorgeous long bobs will make you want to schedule a hair appointment--stat.

• Loved this piece with ten (really great, really easy) ways to enjoy--and bond with--your child today. I'm definitely trying some of these.

• These photos of a mother and the surrogate carrying her child are powerful and wonderful. I cried.

• I don't know what was up with me this week, but this video made me cry, too. The reactions are awesome. (BTW, is it normal to have this many people visit you in the hospital?!? I think I had three people visit me--two of which were my parents!)

• The 35 best things to happen in yearbooks.

• Considering I can't even watch commercials for scary movies without getting freaked out, there is not enough money in the world to get me to play this CRAZY-REALISTIC horror game.

• Got any old pool noodles lying around? Then you should totally make these DIY campfire logs. So creative and cute!

And in case you missed it, this week I...

• Highlighted my favorite fashion, home, and beauty finds--for both grownups and kids.

• Shared ten great books to add to your summer beach-read list.

• Published a little piece about a secret baby... ;)