Friday is For Favorites // The Link Edition

You guys.  I'm doing something crazy: I'm changing the format of this edition of Friday is for Favorites.  Watch out!  Melissa's getting wild!  Seriously though, I was in the mood for something different this week.  So rather than the usual posting of images of my favorite things (scribbled with various scattered thoughts), I thought it would be fun to share some links from around the web that have stood out to me as being particularly interesting, or funny, or awesome throughout the past week.  So instead of a random collection of pretty pictures, I'm posting a random collection of cool links.  Yep. 

This 13 year-old Lab mix, Reese.  We all know that I have a very special place in my heart for senior dogs, but this guy especially struck me.  Unfortunately it's not a good time for us to get another dog, but I still couldn't get him out of my head.  Thankfully, he is now safe and warm in a loving foster home with several people scheduled to meet him for adoption!  Thank you Young at Heart!

This photograph, and the quote that goes along with it: "The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man."  This dreary winter weather has been giving me some serious cabin fever, and I'm itching to get out of the city and to the middle of nowhere.  There's just something to be said for surrounding yourself with pure, untouched nature.

Moorea's latest edition of 'The Look, Your Way.'  Girl's got style (and a big heart too).

Community and generosity.  A little over a week ago, an old friend of mine, her husband, and their children lost their home, businesses, and beloved cats to a massive fire.  It was obviously devastating, but they are doing their best to remain in good spirits and focus on the future.  Thankfully, tons of people have come together to help them get back on their feet, via this fund and this handmade auction.  It's proof that when people work together out of compassion and love, great things can come from tragic situations.  

Dana's new eBook, Blog Wonderful (which she released as a digital edition for Kindle and iBooks!). She gifted me a copy and I have to say, it's a seriously great resource for those of you new to blogging or thinking of starting a blog.  Lots of invaluable tips from an experienced + successful blogger.

These springtime printables inspired by Fossil's spring 2013 catalog.  EZ is such a talented designer and curator, and she's also a really nice person.  I'm excited to print out the note flats and send them out to friends this weekend.

This easy spinach and black bean burrito recipe.  I pretty much live on black beans, and I'm always looking for new recipes that incorporate them.  The one is very basic, but I added quinoa, a little shredded white cheddar, and some hot sauce, and it is amazing.  Amazing.  I am equal parts proud and embarrassed to say that I have officially had it for dinner four times this week.  True story.

Kaelah's wedding reception photos.  This girl is one of my absolute favorite people, and it broke my heart that I couldn't make it to her wedding.  Seeing her get all sorts of silly in these photos and clearly having the best time ever with her husband, son, and friends rocks.  And the photos themselves are pretty wonderful too - both in terms of style, and of capturing the pure awesomeness of the moment(s).

The faces that this ridiculously adorable fox makes.  Made my day.

These incredible images (that I first spotted via Honestly WTF, but can be purchased here).  All I know is I wanna go on one of those trips, pretty please.

This bag and this dress.  Ya know, if I had an extra $1,600 lying around to spend on a bag and a dress.

And finally.... Bubby and Bean's February sponsors!  Okay, so this isn't a link.  But see all those pretty new graphics over there in the right sidebar?  They belong to this month's new and returning sponsors, all of whom are rad their own ways.  If you have a couple minutes, click on the graphics and pay them a visit.

I hope you enjoy these links as much as I did!  And for those of you who prefer the regular old Friday is Favorites format, don't worry - next time will be back to the usual posting of pretty things.  Have a wonderful weekend!