Because certain cancers run in my family, I have always been interested in the way things are passed down from generation to generation (even fun things like twins or red hair). A few weeks ago, I read about Angelina Jolie's choice to undergo genetic testing and follow up with a preventive double mastectomy, and I was even more intrigued, and found it really inspirational to see someone so influential begin to spread the word about our options in facing what life may or may not be preparing to hand us.

I've heard and read about 23andMe before, but it only recently came back to my attention. It's an easy and affordable saliva test that provides more than 240 health reports about conditions and traits (see the full list here), as well as more than 40 inherited conditions. You can discover your ancestry composition and get updates on your DNA as science advances.

I think it's wonderful that for just $99 and in the privacy of your own home, you can learn so much about your past and your future. Jolie said it best when she wrote "Life comes with many challenges. The ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on and take control of."

Are you interested in genetic testing? Have you or will you try 23andMe?

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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

I traveled to Charlottesville and back on Sunday to have brunch with two of my best friends, but I left my camera at home. I did manage to snap a shot or two with my phone while I was there, though. I love seeing Emma and Shawna. 

Saturday was the first boat ride of the season. It was warm and sunny and old Rocky, though a bit more hesitant and awkward than he usually is getting on and off the dock, found himself right at home in his favorite spot yet again.

  

Hope you had a relaxing weekend, too.

Happy weekend to you! I've had a crazy week--work was extra busy, I managed to stop by the venue where we'll be getting married to taste our wedding dinner, and I've reached out to almost all my bridesmaids (who are all over the place, from Charlottesville to New York to South Korea)!

I've been flip-flopping between feeling overwhelmed with all the things I want to get done early and feeling a little embarrassed about booking a photographer only two and a half weeks into our engagement. And also trying to talk about something other than the wedding, which, as you can see, is almost impossible for me right now.

Anyway, here are some links for your weekend! I hope you enjoy:

I mentioned that one of my best friends, Patrick, finally married his fiancé Chad last week. Here are photos from their awesome photographer.

Loved this: The faces behind some Disney villains.

I am so glad that Kelly Ann is back to blogging. Everything she does and says is beautiful.

One of my favorite professors was featured in a Longwood News Release. You're so cool, Dr. McGee!

I almost always have the itch for a new watch, so I'm glad I found Watch Warehouse. I have my eye on this skinny little Michael Kors one.

This blew my mind. Science!

And this broke my heart. I think the BSA will be better off without these kind of people.

I love Danielle's blog and hearing about her awesome adventures with yeast-free eating.

I meant to post this last time, but my amazing friend Amanda started a blog. You can read her first post here.

I loved looking at these maps showing the ways we say different words around the country. So interesting!

Promoted content: The Hunt is a community that helps you find the items you covet but can't find--it's sort of an online shopper's dream come true.

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I'm having dinner and drinks at my favorite place with two of my girlfriends tonight, and then I'm looking forward to a relaxing Saturday and a brunch date on Sunday in Charlottesville with two of my bridesmaids! What fun things do you have planned this weekend?