bookmarked.

// What I Saw in Syria: A reporter's photographs and cellphone videos from a road trip in one of the world's most violent war zones.

// I think I've shared this before, but Tony and I made it last week and it was delicious! Spicy Asian salmon noodle salad.

// Crazy photo coincidence. (As someone who lives in China: woah!)

// Free posters to print and colour!

// How Busy People Make Time To Read—And You Can Too.

// How Privileged Are You? It wasn't really eye-opening for me; I already know I'm very privileged, but maybe it would be eye-opening to some?

// Brexit: why Britain left the EU, explained with a simple cartoon.

// A hair tutorial I wasn't too intimidated to try! 

// "How to Be Less Controlling" (but really, it's just how to be less anxious).

// Yes way rosé!

(Photo: DesignLoveFest)

bookmarked.

// How cool are these (free!) colouring posters?

// Teacher friends and book-lovers: Free audiobooks for your summer reading!!!

// T and I are definitely going to make this spicy Asian salmon noodle salad sometime soon!

// Anyone else know what it's life to feel bloated way too often? 9 Reasons You're Bloated (That Have Nothing To Do With Your Diet)

// Finally! Taco and fingers crossed emojis! (And a dumpling emoji, too!)

// Do you buy SIM cards when you travel? I agree with Edna on this one.

// I didn't write this, but I found myself nodding in agreement as I read: An open letter to my students, and their parents

// Teachers often take their work home with them, but I dream of this: "We’re trusted to do a good job; do our work; then leave."

// 17 Bookstores That Will Change Your Life *heart eyes emoji*

// Can We Guess Your Exact Age With These Food Questions? They were only one year off for me!

// I just ordered this essential oil diffuser necklace. And this one.* (I don't even own any essential oils... yet.)

// Any fellow Saved by the Bell fans want to visit The Max with me?! I wish!

P.S. I'm snapchatting now! My username is ajizhang!

(Image: DesignLoveFest)

*Use code INSTAGRAM to save $5 at Aroma Couture.

bookmarked.

// I've been repeating the phrase above to myself a lot recently because hello, end-of-the-school-year!

// 52 ways to bless your spouse.

// This pasta salad looks delicious and perfect for summer!

// Love this 2-part series on changing your career in your 30's.

// 11 reasons to embrace your bush *cry-face laughing emoji*

// Who doesn't love Nora Ephron?

// I watched The Breakfast Club for the first time when I was a kid, because I had a bet with my dad. (I won.) Here's 8 facts from the cast.

// I think I wanna try to make these coconut oil pulling chews.

// 3 New York Times articles about love and marriage: "No Sound, No Fury, No Marriage," "Putting Love to the Stress Test," and "Why You Will Marry the Wrong Person."

// How to Plan for the Expat Trip Home — Something nobody talks about: when you’re living abroad, trips home can be overwhelming and stressful. You’re probably experiencing jet lag and culture shock, evvvvverybody wants to see you, and there are probably home-specific things you really want to do. Here’s a great post on how to plan a trip home and actually enjoy it!

// Really, though: Why is it still OK to be racist towards Asians?

bookmarked.

I was on the brink of being sick all last week. I told T, This is worse than being sick! I'm almost sick, so I feel like crap, but I don't feel sick enough to stay home from work. I wish my body would just decide to be sick or feel better!

Well, as of yesterday, I'm sick. Runny nose, stuffed sinuses, achy body, sneezing, sore throat. But I still went to work because "there's so much to do." It's in quotations because isn't that what all teachers say? But it's true! Plus, tomorrow's a field trip!

I'm on the couch, a glass of water fizzing with vitamin C beside me, kleenex on the other side, with no plans to move until (an early) bedtime. I'm pretty sure T will offer to cook supper and I'll happily (and almost guilt-free) accept his offer.

For now, here's what I've bookmarked in the past week (or two?):

// Truth. (Also currently my phone wallpaper because I'm hoping it will sink in.)

// Great read for my teacher friends (I highlighted so much when I read it): "Letting Go of 'Letter of the Week'"

// Loved this interview with Dax Shepard and this one with Kristen Bell. (Really, I loved all of the Off Camera interviews with those two.)

// Interesting and heart-warming: On Being a Surrogate.

// Now I want to go back to Hong Kong! (I went last year for my bachelorette!)

// Thinking I'm gonna have to make these freezer breakfast burritos next week.

// Here's How Much the Apartments in Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Sex and the City, and More Would Really Rent For

// I'm not in a long-distance relationship but maybe you are? Here's a sweet post.

// "If my mother was a friend or partner..."

// Breathtaking photos of the Fort McMurray wildfires.

// I want a Conner kind of love.

(Photo: Victoria Smith)

bookmarked.

// I'm a fan of a lot of these prints.

// Goop's guide to non-toxic deodorants + their faves (2 of my faves are their faves!)

// Has budgeting made me stingy? (Personal answer: Not yet, but I can see how it could.)

// Intense: How a blog post gets made.

// 10 rules for fighting fair.

// The American Women of ISIS. Woah.

// Perhaps one of my favourite phrases, because we're all human: It's OK.

// I've been meaning to read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, but for now, this list is a great start: 101 Things to Throw Away Today.

// A teacher to the rescue! Teachers are superheroes, guys.

// 49 phrases to calm an anxious child (but who says they wouldn't help an adult, too?).

// 11 ways to have a less toxic relationship with your parents. I hope you don't need these tips, but if you do, know you're not alone.

(Image via Note to Self: The Print Shop)

bookmarked.

Today was a fun, but busy day and now I'm tired. (Yay, field trips!) But not too tired to share links with you! Here ya go: 

// How beautiful crazy awesome is Sarah's embroidery?!

// I live in Beijing, but I bookmarked this for future weekend plans.

// I have my eyes on this cart and this article made me want it even more.

// If there was ever a time to use the heart eyes emoji, it's for this photo.

// This made me even more excited to finally read Lean In: How to Demand What You Deserve.

// A step in the right direction.

// Ha! Yes!

// This might be my favourite "beauty uniform" post yet: One, life is not about being beautiful, and two, everyone is beautiful.

// "To eulogize is to forgive"—A Eulogy, Despite

// Working in an international community, I see a lot of foreign caregivers, and found this interesting and heartbreaking: "The Cost of Caring"

// 5 things you didn't know about Serial. (I haven't listened to the second season yet, but I'm going to!)

// For my teacher and parent friends: Why I Don't Teach SCLANs (shapes, colors, letters, and numbers)

(Photo by Sarah K. Benning, via Instagram)

bookmarked.

It was a good week on the internet!

// How delicious does this spicy cashew chicken dish look? Definitely added it to my slow cooker Pinterest board.

//10 tricks guaranteed to get you to drink more water. Now if only I'd remember the tricks!

// If I was willing to spend $51 on a novelty purse, I'd totally buy this one or this one.

// "The vagina is a self-cleaning oven." Haha! But really: 11 Pressing Questions for an Ob-Gyn.

// I've just discovered jojoba oil, which is apparently magical.

// Would you ever make your own laundry soap?

// Surprisingly, I'm loving this butts throw pillow.

// How the rest of the world caught up to Tegan and Sara. Did you preorder their new album? If you did, maybe we should be friends.

// Rory Gilmore is a teacher?!

// "I tried natural deodorant for 6 months & here’s what happened." Happy to see Schmidt's was a winner for her, too! I love the lavender + sage scent.

// Funny because it's true: What overthinking looks like.

(Image: Max Wanger)

bookmarked.

I didn't share a bookmarked post last week, so I have a couple extra links for you today!

// Beijing man photographs three years' worth of smog from his window.

// If you watch one thing today, watch this: Brené Brown on boundaries, empathy, and compassion.

// Class pets with their own Twitter account?! I love this idea!

// It's too late for this year, but you should pin this for next Easter: Peeps jello shots!

// Tony and I have eaten this 4 times in the past two weeks: Strawberry Chicken Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Dressing

// 10 Rules of Buying, Storing, and Drinking Wine—I don't need to be fancy to drink wine!

// The weather is warming up (at least in BJ!); how about some fruit + tonics?

// These women are badass!

// Short Answers to Hard Questions About Climate Change. Read this. Share it.

// Did you check out Think Dirty and now you feel kinda overwhelmed? This might help: How to switch to natural cosmetics in 6 easy steps.

// Hmm, what do you think? I want to be healthier but it can all seem like too much. 10 healthy habits that are worth the time & money.

What have you bookmarked lately?

bookmarked.

// A great read for parents and people who work with young kids: Using Big Words With Kids

// Did you know you can post emojis from your Mac keyboard?!

// Dorky, but I spent some time reading the history of mascara. It was actually so interesting!

// 14 bloggers share why they think you should visit China. (Spoiler alert: One of the bloggers is me ;)

// This makes my switching-to-natural-products-self happy: Big Drop in Chemical Levels in Girls Who Switched Cosmetics!

// Joshua Malina is now hosting a West Wing podcast!(!!)

// Did you know Siri can flip a coin for you? And 15 more tricks every iPhone user should know.

// Travel expectations vs. reality. I can personally attest to numbers 1, 11, 33, 35, and 40.

// Looks like I have a habit to break: Closing apps to save your battery only makes things worse.

// How pretty is this marble protective skin?

// Resolution: Learn to love my arms.

Happy Monday, everyone!

bookmarked.

// Mind-blowing architectural density in Hong Kong!

// A bit heavy, and I don't identify as LGBTTQ2SI, but I highlighted a few sections. I think it's helpful as I think of my own family, healing, and establishing boundaries. Embedded in Trauma: Providing and Surviving in LGBTTQ2SI Communities

// As someone who felt conflicted about the decision to change my name, I found this interesting: Why I'm Returning to My Maiden Name.

// I'm loving Apartment Therapy lately: modern thank-you note etiquette, why you need to go to bed early, and a tea & colouring club.

// 26 Tweets That Will Make A Whole Lot Of Sense To Married People. I especially loved numbers 6, 8, 11, 16, and 20.

// I can't imagine folding my socks or underwear, but maybe I will after I (finally) read Marie Kondo's book?

// The Strange and Surprising History of Daylight Saving Time (Fun fact: We don't "spring ahead" or "fall back" here in Beijing.)

(Photo by Michael Wolf, via BoredPanda)

bookmarked.

// You guys, that is a watercolour painting of a ring pop! I thought it was real when I first saw it on Instagram!

// 10 sweet and simple courthouse weddings. You know I'm a fan.

// Sweet video of Leonardo DiCaprio waiting to get his Oscar engraved. (Confession: I was rooting for Matt Damon. Have you seen The Martian? Great movie!)

// What you’re REALLY seeing when you see ‘success.’

// 5 tips for avoiding budgeting burnout. (T and I started budgeting this month and we're using Dollarbird.)

// Beautiful Walt Whitman passage, hand drawn.

(Image by Shana Frase)

bookmarked.

// A complete list of everything in the $232,000 Oscars gift bag (Crazy!)

// 23 Rory And Jess Moments From “Gilmore Girls” That Will Make Your Heart Explode Aww!

// I don't know if I want to be a teacher forever...

// I'm 26 and don't have kids, but I'm a fan of the 6 o'clock dinner.

// The Think Dirty app is changing my life!

// If you speak 2 or more languages, you might find this interesting.

// How we used to die; how we die now

// How To Cure Self-Consciousness (!!!)

// Listen to your emotions.

bookmarked.

Here's what I've bookmarked since last week:

// How gorgeous are these watercolour desktop wallpapers?

// Loved these tips: Easy & Affordable Ways to Add More Visual Joy to Your Home

// The New Brunswick Public Library Service has added Rosetta Stone to its collection of online databases! Could this be how I finally learn Mandarin?

// I recently watched this movie and thoroughly enjoyed it. Maybe because I loved both the books and the movie when I was growing up?

// How To Love the Home You Have Just a Little Bit More

// I'm gonna try and make the switch to natural deodorant!

// I spent a fair amount of time this weekend scrolling through the #ObamaAndKids hashtag.

// How to Overcome Worry and Be a Friendlier Person. Great tips! I especially like the principles for overcoming worry, particularly #33.

// First Look At The New 'Gilmore Girls' Stars Hollow Set (!!!)

// Love cooking dinner and singing along with the Kitchen Karaoke Classics Google Play station.

// I don't have kids, but I still think this is a beautiful essay on marriage.

(Image by Malissa Ryder via DesignLoveFest)

bookmarked.

I've got some good links for you this week (even if they are a day late, but hey, they aren't as late as my honeymoon or 2015 in review posts)!

// Letter of Recommendation: Sick Days. Sad trombone: I'm out of sick days.

// My 8-year-old self that went to bed sobbing, "He could have fit! He didn't have to die!" is vindicated: Once and for All: Jack Could Totally Have Fit on Rose's Raft

// Someone with a social anxiety disorder will never get tired of hearing you say these things.

// I don't care what this says about me; this website makes me feel better about myself. (Side note: My husband didn't know celebrities wore make-up. Good grief.)

// I'm too late for Valentine's Day, but this would also make a killer anniversary or just because card.

// 17 International Starbucks items. I'm a huge fan of visiting chain restaurants in different countries; I think it's so interesting to compare menus! (FYI: The peach blossom tea latte is just a seasonal thing for Chinese New Year; I've never tried it, but maybe this will be the year!)

// A bit morbid, but have you ever wondered what happens to your Facebook when you die?

// How China's One-Child Policy Led To Forced Abortions, 30 Million Bachelors. So crazy to know that Tony's family lived this!

// One of my high school friends posted this on Facebook and I thought it was spot-on: An Open Letter To My High School Friend Group

Photo: Kal Barteski

bookmarked.

Here's what's been hanging out in my bookmarked folder for the last couple weeks:

// I have made this Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie more times than I care to admit.

// Have you heard of Honey? I installed it just a couple weeks ago and I've already saved $15. For real.

// Fellow Gilmore Girls lovers, have I got the keychain for you!

// Speaking of GG, I have been living in this pullover.

// I did marry him! So fun to rediscover my interview on Yes and Yes.

// Please be patient with those who have anxiety / They say sorry a lot because they’re genuinely afraid they’ve insulted you somehow / They ask if they’re annoying because they genuinely think they’ve somehow annoyed you

// "Just because students may have to sit in an office for eight hours a day when they are adults, doesn’t mean that they should have to start practicing it now as children."

// I think this may just be the best photo editing app ever.

// 10 Ways You’re Making Your Life Harder Than It Has To Be. I can feel this article giving me the side eye.

// Saying this is beautiful would be an understatement: Questions to ask yourself before giving up.

(Graphic by Emily McDowell)

bookmarked.

// The graphic above was exactly what I needed to see while I was on vacation. Click through to see what else Sarah had to say.

// Another Instagram post that deserves a big, "F yeah!"

// Why I’m Done Asking My Husband To Help Me Out *insert clapping emoji here*

// Another article worthy of a clapping emoji: To teachers everywhere...

// A Model Taught Us How To Take Selfies And It Made A Huge Difference — because we should all be posting more. Yes, I'm serious.

// Guess what? Autocorrect hates you, too.

// 26 tiny things to do for yourself this year. My favourites are numbers 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26. So really... most of them.

I missed you guys the last two weeks! How's 2016 going for you so far?

bookmarked.

// Joanna's not the only one with a crush on Saul.

// Instead of saying sorry...

// My friend just posted a drool-worthy recipe for baked salmon with lemon dill sauce.

// I want to stay here: The coolest hotel in every state.

// "What I’ve Learned as a White Mom Raising Two Black Sons"

// Yup! 8 habits I lost in China

// How privileged are we, that we can put up a Christmas tree? I'd never thought, because, duh, privilege.

// I know a lot of people, myself included, that could use these: 15 Tips for Surviving a Long Airplane Flight

// You guys... Tony is totally an Instagram Husband. (And I am so lucky.)

(Graphic: Cup of Jo)

bookmarked.

// I love Joanna's gift guide every year! It's so personal and filled with neat ideas.

// Her mother doesn't get why she's depressed. So she explains the best way she knows how. Slow. Clap.

// How fun are these pineapple holiday cards?! Printable and free, too!

// If you're like me, this might be useful: 30 Simple Ways to Take Care of Yourself Over the Holidays

// Caravan Shoppe has lots of goodies for the holidays! Remember our paper Christmas tree? That was from Caravan! (Now I print one each year for my classroom; the kids think it's so fun!)

// I wish all parents were like this.

// Mass shootings since Sandy Hook, in one map—America, something has got to change!

(Photo by Life is Rosier. Visit her Etsy shop here!)

bookmarked.

// I am obsessed with my new polka dot pants!

// Melissa and I made this pumpkin curry a couple weeks ago. Oh my god, delicious AND easy!

// "It's going to be okay."

// I am totally going to make one of these stove simmers!

// "Hey, New Teachers, It's OK To Cry In Your Car": "As they get six or seven weeks into school, they realize how tough it is to be a really good teacher," says Moir. "They need someone saying, 'You are not horrible. You are not a fraud.'"

// How to stay optimistic when everything's horrible.

// Google can predict your future! I seriously love this company.

// On my journey to adulting better, I appreciate these dinner party tips.

(Print by Marc Johns, available here)

bookmarked.

// 22 things to start doing now that will improve the rest of your life

// I think I wanna try to make this pumpkin spice latte syrup.

// This website tells you the perfect time to go to sleep!

// It snowed here on Friday, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to set one of these as my desktop.

// I can only hope to be as cool and free-spirited as Cathy.

// My alma mater recently launched a career network; it looks like a fantastic resource!

// T got me this necklace for my birthday. *heart eyes emoji*

// Penny walks—could be great for adults, too!

// Relationship goal.

// Never thought I'd say this, but... I'm dreaming about subway tile.

// At the gym: who is looking at whom

// Hooray for JOMO!

(Image: Karey Mackin)