Recommended with Caribbean Salad

I had the usual good intentions of publishing this on Friday, but I ended up having a rough emotional day, and then to distract myself, I've fallen down the delightful hole of Ancestry.com!  I favor my father's side, because I still love my maiden name so much, but there's a lot more work that's been done on my mother's side.  I'm lucky to have an uncle who's done so much research!  Turns out I'm descended from kings, knights, witches, crusaders, and saints, all on my mom's side.  I hit a veign of gold when I found someone in my ancestry who matched up with a Wikipedia article.  Old time Western European aristocracy did a great job of tracking their lineage.  So, that's what my entire weekend's being spent on!

I do want to give you a recipe, though, the promised side salad I usually make with jerk chicken.  My mom made this for us a lot in Puerto Rico, and it was one of the few dishes she made that used cilantro.  Now, whenever I have cilantro, it takes me back to my childhood in Puerto Rico.

This dish is perfect for summertime, and it's very versatile.  Just deduct whatever ingredient you don't like.  I usually make two versions at home: one without jalapeños for me and one without beans for Caleb.  The salad tastes best when all the flavors are allowed to marry.  I like it best after about a day.

Caribbean Salad

(I'm not sure what else to call it.)

• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 japaeño pepper, diced small
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 10 oz. frozen corn, thawed
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 2 tbs cilantro, chopped (though I usually put in tons)
• 3 tbs fresh lime juice (though I've used lemon, and it's fine)
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1/8 tsp salt

Just mix everything together, and you're done!  This recipe makes enough for probably at least 8 servings.  It makes a lot.

And links for the second half of your weekend!

I often work from home, which means Mako gets to play intern, but I would love to work at a place like this super dog friendly office.

I've always been interested in mythology and old superstitions.  I just learned about the Icelandic vegvísir symbol, which is supposed to keep travelers safe in dangerous weather.  I think it's fascinating to learn the meanings of ancient runes!  I really wish I could know the full story behind the butterknot, though, which was used "to ensure butter was procured through non-magical means."

My most recent bra purchases came from AdoreMe.  I find their sets flirty and within my usual price range.  But!  This list of 4 upcoming lingerie lines makes me curious about branching out.  This one, though, Edge O' Beyond, is crazy luxurious.  I signed up for their newsletter last year, but I know I'll probably never own any of their fancy lacy things.

This made me laugh.  If cities were your boyfriend.

Did you see Marvel's new contest for girls changing the world with science?

Check out how these iconic logos have changed since their creation.  Fascinating.

My friend Stephanie Whitacre sharing another bit of wisdom about encouraging your future self.

I don't know what it is, but I seem to have a hard time with shoes.  In the summer, I'm almost always in my clunky but comfy Chaco sandals, and all the other girls seem to look much cuter in their booties and espadrilles and even super new sneakers.  I think I've found a way to break into the cute shoes game, though, with these cross-strap flats.  And for under $30, too!

It's all advice you've heard before, but maybe you forget like I do.  How to have a better morning.