Thirteen for Thursday

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1. This girl is genius and I need to start prepping meals like this to avoid the take-out traps and also just because I eat too much processed food. Her method of hard boiling a dozen eggs, cooking frozen chicken in the oven, and prepping salads for each day of the week is so doable and so up my ally. I love eggs and chicken. Surprisingly, I'm even digging salad lately. I'm so grown up.

2. Have I mentioned how amazing Love Does is? Seriously, I can't put it down. I am smiling through the whole thing. I read it in the mornings and it just puts me in the best, most inspiring moods. If you love Donald Miller's writing, you will love this book as much as I do. It is such a good reminder to truly live your life. Love is whimsical and adventurous and requires doing. I needed to hear this. Truthfully, I don't want the book to end.

3. I did it. Over the weekend I went through my closet and put together three big garbage bags full of clothes I haven't worn in over a year. I also bit the bullet and got rid of my heals. I don't wear heels. I'm just not a heels girl. I walk funny in them. I hate them. They hurt my feet. I was told I would get used to them and I never did. I had a few cute pairs from weddings I was in that I kept for sentimental reasons. But it was time. Time to donate them and start buying shoes that are comfortable and easier to walk in. 

4. It's that time of year. No, I don't mean basketball season. It's club soccer season and Garth is INVESTED. I lose him about this time every year. He has to watch all the club games, especially Manchester United. The world stops. Our social calendar is put on hold. He is up at 6 a.m. Saturdays to watch. Oh the craziness!

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5. Don't laugh, but G and I are toying with the idea of purchasing an inflatable hot tub. The reviews were good and it is just SO much cheaper than the real thing. We have a vacation fund and every year we say we are going to buy a hot tub instead of vacation. But, vacation seems to always win. This is kind of a win-win. We can vacation and purchase this bad boy. I know we wouldn't regret this and I know I would use it every night. Do you have one? Do you recommend it? Am I crazy?

6. Our cute little town has been really fun to live in the last three years. It has experienced quite the boom since we moved in three years ago. A bunch of new houses are being built and new stores are popping up. It's exciting to see it grow. Now we just need a Panera and a Trader Joe and I'll be happy.

7. After seeing my SIL's parents' kitchen reno G is now on board to do our kitchen this spring. I'm so excited!!!! Now to decide if we should do a Home Depot kit, stain, or pick a paint color and roll up our sleeves and get to work. Decisions, decisions. Now I just need to finish my stinking chair project so our garage has room for cabinets! Eek!!

8. How sweet is this picture of Manny waiting for Garth to get back from running errands? Also? I think that is Manny full grown. Everyone kept telling us he would be HUGE. The vet and Humane Society estimated 60 to 80 pounds. Everyone said he would be 80 pounds. I always thought he would be 60 pounds. He is about 55 pounds. But you know what? As much as I thought I wanted this big dog, he is the perfect size for us. The perfect size for our house. The perfect size to cuddle. 

9. Speaking of Manny, my aunt asked how old he was and we said 6 months. As we were driving home I realized we did our math wrong. He is actually 9 months old and we have had him for 6 months. Oops. Time flies! I can't believe we have had him for half a year already. I feel like he has always been part of our family.

10. G, my mom, aunt and I are taking a cooking class next week. I'm beyond excited! I have always wanted to do something like this. To get out of my comfort zone and do something different. Plus, I have always wanted to enjoy cooking as much as I enjoy reading about people cooking. I hope this class will do the trick!

11. I can't believe it was a year this weekend that G and I did our first 5k. It was cold, but it was such a blast. It was for a good cause, it was with co-workers, and we had a nice lunch out afterwards. We drive by the location of the 5k sometimes and I just smile. It was a fun memory and I look forward to doing more 5ks in the future!

12. Can we talk about this Youtube video? I'm borderline obsessed with it. I don't know why, but it makes me insanely happy. Probably because I'm in love with Disney movies so much I could totally see G and I doing this with our kids someday. I love cheesy. In fact, the cheesier the better!

13. Ever since I saw Beauty and the Beast a couple weeks ago I have the bug. I want to see more shows! Rock of Ages is coming in April and I think this is a show even G would love. Have you seen it? Do you recommend it?