Top Ten Fav's From the Month of July

My Top Ten Fav's from the month of July are, in no particular order, as follows:

1. My Birthday

Happy Birthday to ME. I turned cough29cough this month, and had so much fun celebrating with family and friends! I have not yet decided if my birthday is going to be in my Top Ten Fav's for July 2013 - it depends on how traumatized I am by turning thirty. Someone plan me something uber cool for that birthday, to help take my mind off becoming an OLDLADY and to ensure that my birthday definitely merits a spot in my Top Ten that month.

2. Independence Day

First off, I want to publicly thank Fergie for ensuring that I never forget how to spell any form of the word "independent", ever.

Also, the 4th was a blast. Hubby and I started off the morning with a hike up Humpback Rock, or The Gigantic Mountain That Made Fun Of Me For Being Super Out Of Shape And Hurt My Feelings. Really though, despite it kicking my butt, it was actually a lot of fun and only about an hour round-trip - the view from the top was pretty spectacular too. More importantly, I made a new friend! Some of Anthony's buddies from school hiked with us and, thank the Lord, one of them brought their wife and I had someone to walk at an Incredibly Slow Pace with. Walking at an Incredibly Slow Pace gave Dara and I the opportunity to get to know one another, and she's awesome! So, all in all, the hike was a win. Then, a bunch of us went to a local park with a beach and cooked out and then we went back to our place and played Rock Band 2 (like true Americans) and then we went to watch fireworks. All of which were also a win.

3. I Got A Raise

Not a huge one, but I'll end up with about an extra $75 each month. Of course, it's probably all going onto the Giant Evil Student Loans STOPTAKINGALLOFMYMONIESDAMNYOU but it's still pretty sweet. I've always been a big fan of raises.

4. I Started A Blog

I started a blog! And you're reading it! Right now! I really appreciate all the positive feedback I've gotten from some of you. I started blogging basically just to have an excuse to write, but it makes me so happy to know that other people are able to derive enjoyment from it. Also, to the Woman Whose Cat Made Her Bleed Profusely Because She Was Laughing So Gregariously While Reading My Post About Dog Vomit And Apparently It Freaks The Cat Out To Be Sitting On The Lap Of Someone Who Is Laughing So Gregariously About Dog Vomit Or Anything Else For That Matter: I'm so sorry.

Most awesome picture ever.

5. THIS.

Please note: If the above picture makes no sense to you, refer to item #4 of my July 27th post then return here and commence hysterical laughter.

This is why Faith (pictured above, but not on the shirt - that's me) is my BFF. If you too would like to become the proud owner of your very own Sara Forrest T-shirt (please also refer to my July 27th post for suggestions regarding proper use of the shirt), then you should know that this Stunning Masterpiece was created by the good people at Airbrush Customs. Visit their website at www.airbrushcustoms.net or give them a call at 1 (303) 744-7848 and GET HOOKED UP WITH THIS SHIZ. Also, don't be afraid to think outside the box - hats, onesies, hoodies, and tattoos are also acceptable ways to display this Very Important Information. I don't think they actually do tattoos there, but they might know a guy.

6. Masontasticness

We got to see part of the original Mason clan this past weekend. The Masons are, basically, some of the coolest people on the planet, and we have the kind of unique bond with them that only comes from working alongside someone for Years & Years through the blood, sweat and tears of church ministry.

Also, the patriarch of the Mason clan is Really Really Ridiculously Good-Looking. Obviously.

 Check out their website www.lifeontheverge.com to read about the exciting things they've been doing, and consider helping to support their powerful and kick butt musicianary ministry, Life on the Verge, so that you can also become kick butt.

7. Private Selection's "Southern Red Velvet Cake" Ice Cream

Imagine sex, Michael Buble's voice, and sweatpants combined into ice cream form. It's SO GOOD. I strongly suggest that you travel to your nearest Kroger and procure a carton or twelve. RIGHT NOW. I'll wait.

8. Supernatural, or I Might Actually Be A BAMF But Probably Not

I discovered this month that Supernatural is not a Show That's Way Too Creepy For Sara To Watch. I thought it was. I was wrong. I'm glad to have had this little misunderstanding cleared up because it's really a pretty great show (and I appreciate Dean's sarcasm). It  occured to me that, perhaps, Supernatural really is as creepy as I always thought it was and that I'm just turning into a total BAMF who doesn't mind watching Very Creepy Shows but, really, it probably isn't all that creepy and I was simply being a Very Large Wuss about it before. Maybe.

9. Buffalo Chicken Dip

My friend, Jenn, brought some Buffalo Chicken Dip to my house this month, and it was DELISH. She gave me the recipe and everyone to whom I’ve served it has raved about my Mad Skills In The Kitchen (except I really have no Mad Skills because it's pretty much the easiest thing ever, but shhhh). Here is the recipe in case you too would like to fake having Mad Skills In The Kitchen or just enjoy a super tasty dip that is Very Very Unhealthy (you could make it healthier by using fat-free everything, but why ruin a perfectly good dip? If you're truly worried about it then eat some celery instead, or perhaps a rice cake).

Preheat oven to 375

1 package of cream cheese

2 cans of chunked chicken breast

1 cup of Ranch dressing

1/4-1/2 cup Franks hot sauce (I use 1/2 cup)

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)

Soften cream cheese in the microwave for about 1 minute.

Drain the chicken and add to cream cheese.

Add the Ranch and hot sauce.

Add 1 cup of the shredded cheese.

Combine mixture until everything is mixed together.

Spray the dish with a bit of nonstick spray, Add the dip and cover with the remaining cup of cheese.

Bake in oven for about 10 mins or until the top layer of cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Juno

I finally bought Juno on DVD. Ellen Page & Michael Cera in the same movie? Duh.

This has been my Top Ten Favorite Things for the month of July. Tune in next month for ten more examples of awesomeness.

Happy August.