There was a hiatus on the blog front so I was determined to get a post scheduled this week! Lets start with a recap of my  fantastic 3 day weekend. My nephew’s nanny needed Friday off.  I instantly volunteered to drive down to Chicago Thursday night to be nanny for the day.

Thursday night, we cooked up this gigantic salmon with jasmine rice.

Luckily, I got up in time to head out for an early run to beat the snow.  I went to a park that is only a mile away from my sisters house in Chicago. The park is about 1/4 mile around. I was shocked that I covered 7 miles when it was all said and done. Even though it was 30 degrees and snowing on Friday, I was cooped up all day with my nephew so it could have been worse. We played games and read books. Oh, and for his 2pm nap I also took an hour nap. That basically never happens. It shows how hard taking care of a baby is! I was pooped.

Friday night, Tricia and I went to her crossfit box. I’ll include my WOD as soon as I find it. Ryan met us in Chicago and we enjoyed some gluten free pizza and wine. Perfect night if you ask me! I surprisingly liked the GF pizza crust better than the regular.

**Do you like gluten free pizza?

**Ever been nanny for a day?

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Discover the delicious and convent way to eat meat-free. Gardein’s products are better for your body and better for the planet. If you are wanting to make a fresh start or keep your new years resolutions in tact check out Gardein’s products. Be sure to use this link and print off a $1 off coupon! 

When I first decided to become a vegetarian, I didn’t realize the positive effect it has on the environment. Cutting out meat once a week can help fight diabetes and can help you save money!  Since my husband is a meat eater, I usually opt to make Gardein on nights when I am cooking for one. After he tried their products that came to a quick halt.  It is nice to be able to make a dish that we both can enjoy. 

Gardein’s Porkless Bites with Avocado Pasta

I cooked up the Gardein Porkless Bites and pasta per the instructions. I used whole wheat spaghetti noodles. I let the pasta cool in the fridge for an hour (not easy as I was starving.)

I chopped up the peppers and added edamame and broccoli slaw. I added the avocado last and just chopped up and mixed it. This dish was so savory, I wouldn’t resist making this once a week. The

Gardein makes delicious, convenient and healthier versions of the foods we all love to eat. These meat-free foods are better for your body and better for the planet. Made with non-GMO soy and wheat, ancient grains and veggies it provides the taste, texture and protein content of meat but with less calories, less fat and no cholesterol.

Gardein Sweet & Sour Porkless Bites are tender porkless bites that provide 13g of protein and a good source of iron per serving. There is a sauce pack included however I opted not to use it in my recipe. 

Have you tried any meatless products? What are your favorites?

This post is sponsored by Gardein but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Hi There,

Happy Friday!

This week has gone by so quickly, thank goodness. I have today off to spend some time with my mom and younger sister. It is absolutely beautiful out so I am going to require us to do something outdoors.  With the 70 degree weather we stopped make a pit stop at Smoothie King for a little fuel.

I rarely opt to purchase a smoothie while on the run. I have tried Starbucks and Costco’s Fruit smoothies and always feel a bit of a sugar rush after drinking them. When I found out Smoothie King incorporates veggies into their smoothies I was overjoyed. I love adding kale, spinach, and other greens to the mix.

With a Avocado Pineapple Smoothie in the lineup, and four other great Veggie Blend options it is sure to keep you on your toes. I tried the Avocado Pineapple Smoothie and it was delicious!  Now it’s even easier to get your greens. Seriously, this is one of my favorite energy sources that you can get on the go. By stopping at Smoothie King you can avoid making a mess of your kitchen by dirtying your blender.

Now go check out Smoothie King and can sign-up for a $2.99 20oz. coupon via email and sign up to earn rewards in the loyalty app.

Another avocado favorite

Their veggie flavors include Veggie Avocado Pineapple, Apple Kiwi Kale, Berry Carrot Dream, and Carrot Kale Dream.  This adds to my long list of ways to enjoy avocados. With Earth Day approaching (4/22) there is a sweepstakes to give all of you a chance to win prizes! Just tag @SmoothieKing in your #Earthday service pictures for the chance to win green smoothie goodness. The contest begins 4/19.

-What are your weekend plans?
-Have you tried smoothie king?!

**This post is sponsored by Smoothie King but my love for their Veggie Blends smoothies is all my own!

The post Blend More Veggies – Smoothie King appeared first on Run on Oatmeal.

Hello,

Monday came way too quickly once again. We spent the weekend enjoying the 78 degree weather AND packing. Yup, we are up and moving! Ryan has been job hunting for a while and landed an awesome position in Illinois. I am starting a new opportunity with my dad’s business in Illinois as well. While we are hunting for houses we will be staying with my parents! Hopefully that portion doesn’t take too long. I basically want the show Fixer Upper to build us a home. We are excited for our new adventure and nervous at the same time. Here goes nothing! I do know that after this move we are never moving again. This is our first time moving from a house so it is crazy to consider the amount of furniture, appliances, and other crap that we have to move. I am pretty sure every time I think I have packed up the last box, there is another whole room I am forgetting.

First pineapple of the season! It wasn’t the best one I’ve ever ate but it was a great snack paired with our drinks on the deck.

I attended a sweaty yoga class in these floral leggings. My life is pretty exciting.

Terrible picture went hand in hand with a terrible wrap. It had a little too much sauce. The asparagus was good though! Also, we got to eat outside. Yay for patio season.

Sunday morning I ran 6 miles on the bike path and realized this will be one of my last runs on this path.  I am so tore up about us moving. We love our house and friends here. It also doesn’t hurt that our fitness center is a half mile away and we walk there all summer long. Can’t everyone and everything just come with us??

All of that packing lead to a necessary naked burrito from qdoba. We are trying to eat up a lot of the food in our house but of course eating out is much more enticing. 

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Hello!

Moving day is officially over!  It went miraculously fast. The day was perfect with 60 degree weather. Not too hot or cold.We had 5 men helping us and they were put to work right away. I know everyone says this when they move but I seriously cannot believe how much crap we have. Our things take up about 60 percent of one of my parents’ barns. We even gave away a sectional couch. Apparently, that didn’t make a dent in our massive amount of crap. So now my clothes are in huge piles scattered across two of the bedrooms in my parents house. I am slowly trying to organize and get situated.

My in laws stayed for a bonfire at my parents house and we snacked on this ridiculous mix. It is basically butter and so addicting. I legit gained 4 pounds from eating so much of it. Sad.

I have been extremely behind on the workout front. I have gone for 2-3 mile runs in the morning but that is about it. I am counting hanging my clothes on hangers as my workout at this point. Again, sad.

Tuesday night I went to my first Cubs game! The girls were apprehensive about going when we saw the forecast. As we were on weather.com the boys announced they had purchased our tickets. So we decided to brave the cold and wind.

I asked as we were walking to the stadium whether the whole game is outdoors.  I don’t get out much.  It was about 40 degrees and its almost May. No thank you!

Gotta love a good photo bomb during your selfie! The cubs won! We ended up leaving after the 5th inning just because we could no longer feel our legs. We watched the rest of the game at a bar. I declared that I would need to come back in the summer when it was sunny and warm. We made the best of it and had fun.  Until next time Wrigley!

**Have you been to Wrigley Field?

**Ever been to a 40 degree baseball game?

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Happy Monday!

My blog has been put on the back burner lately! I have been super busy with my new job and needing to unpack every night. Priorities!

These tulips from a friends garden brightened up my weekend immediately.

I have been doing a little better on the workout front which is definitely good news. I did this AMRAP workout yesterday at boot camp. We also ended with wall balls and if you drop it your entire group has to do a minute of burpees. Well of course I dropped the wall ball my first time and apologized a million times to my group. I am working on it. My butt and hamstrings are insanely sore. Crazy how a new workout will do that to you.

I have almost finished this jar of nuttzo in 10 days. I am the only one in the house that eats it but I still justify it but saying that I share it. I have been pairing it with Ginny Bakes ginger cookies. Hard to resist.

I am hoping for more t-shirt weather running this week!

I have been forced to use the treadmill due to the rain and cold. At least I have Vega Bars to help me refuel. I can’t believe May is already here! It is basically almost Christmas.

** Any big plans for May??

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Oh that’s right! I have a blog. It is almost summer so you can start to tell when I start to blog less and less.

Happy Mother’s Day to my mama! I have been kicking butt at non -running workouts lately! It was hard to get back into the swing of things after taking some time off due to the moving process. I went to a few boot camp classes which featured crossfit workouts. I am quite sore! Friday night,  I was singing and dancing along to Ellie Goulding! She is playing in Chicago and I feel like I bought the tickets a year ago. Can’t wait!

some of my favorite greens

On the way down to Chicago we made sure to stop at Smoothie King for an on the go snack for the train. The sun is out and a smoothie was a satisfying and delicious option.

It is a fairly short train ride but we weren’t eating dinner until 6 so having veggies and fruit as a snack is just what we needed. I am loving this fast way to get nutrients on the go.

no need to dirty your blender like this

With a Avocado Pineapple Smoothie in the lineup, and four other great Veggie Blend options it is sure to keep you on your toes. I tried the Avocado Pineapple Smoothie and it was delicious!  Now it’s even easier to get your greens. Seriously, this is one of my favorite energy sources that you can get on the go. By stopping at Smoothie King you can avoid making a mess of your kitchen by dirtying your blender.

Check out Smoothie King and sign-up for a $2.99 coupon via email and sign up to earn rewards in the loyalty app.

This post is sponsored by Smoothie King, but my love for their all-new Veggie Blends is my own!

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Hello!

What a fun filled weekend!

I have been obsessed with Ellie Goulding ever since she sang at the royal wedding. So we obviously jumped at the chance to buy tickets when she announced she was playing near Chicago! We got dinner before the show and were running a little behind and missed Bebe Rexa. We made up for it by watching YouTube videos of her at midnight after the show.
Ellie was amazing live. I was nervous seeing her live would force me to not like her but she put on an amazing show. I of course knew every song. I wish she would have played more of her old songs but I’ll live.  My girl crush lives on!

We celebrated Mother’s Day the only way we know how, with tons of food.  We went to Sprecher on Saturday for an early Mother’s Day lunch. I got soup and salad which was boring. My sister had a yummy stir fry though!

Sunday, we went to my aunts house where onion tartlets were served. I snacked myself into a major hole but it was all in good fun. We went for a walk and were faced with a snake. I freaked out and ran as fast as I could. Ever since then I have been scared that I would see a snake while running. Especially today it was rainy and really foggy. I wanted to run in the middle of the road because I was nervous one would run out after me.

This was em and I Twinning so I had to snap a pic.

**What was the last concert you went to? Before the Ellie concert the last one I had been to was Florida Georgia Line at Summerfest almost a year ago. ha!

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Happy Friday!

I took a short hiatus from Friday Faves but they are back with a vengeance. I can partially blame my parents wifi because it is the absolute worst. It cuts out every 10 seconds. It is supposed to be a gross rainy weekend here in Wisco. I guess it is May but can’t it just rain on weekdays only? It isn’t too much to ask. I have a bachelorette party next weekend and so we are just taking it easy this weekend. I however need outfits for the bachelorette weekend as well as a few showers I have coming up. We may need to run to Mayfair in Milwaukee just to get some staples to my wardrobe.

Friday Faves:

Favorite Grill: Pinch of Yum featured Spicy Cauliflower Burgers that scream summer to me. The magic green sauce adds color and flavor!

Favorite Snuggle: My friends all have super adorable dogs. Ryan and I are not quite ready for a puppy yet. Things just don’t seem to be slowing down and the time for a dog doesn’t seem to pop up. Maybe that will be on the 5 year plan.

Favorite Salad: A Family Feast posted this amazing grilled summer veggie salad. I considered pinning this twice. I love fresh corn on the cob and this salad seriously would be gone in 10 seconds.

Favorite DIY: Yes, overnight oats can be a DIY as opposed to a kind bar on the go. I’ve been using my almost empty jars of nuttzo and adding cashew milk, oats, chia seeds, and flax seed. I add more nuttzo if necessary.

It is supposed to be chilly this weekend so I may save a longish run for after 9am tomorrow. It never fails that I will try to sleep in and I am up at 5am. Fingers crossed.

**Are you a dog owner? What kind of dog?

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Good evening!

This weekend was short lived and relaxing.

Pizza on Friday’s has become sort of a tradition. No reason to try to avoid it anymore. I am pretending that I do not have a bachelorette party in 5 days where I need to be in a swimsuit the entire time. The swim up margarita bar won’t judge me.

We stayed inside for the most part because it was cold and windy. Ryan and I set out for a run on Saturday morning and he turned around not wanting to face the wind. I went solo and around mile 3 it started to snow! I’m sorry I thought it was May?! Ryan promised to go running this week with me a few times to make up for leaving me in the wind/snow storm.

I set out to make one of my favorite smoothies. It was delish and I added some rice krispies for some crunch.

I added 1/4 of a scoop of Vega Vanilla protein powder, a splash of almond milk, mixed frozen berries, 1/2 of a frozen banana, and 1 scoop of plain greek yogurt. It was creamy and perfect to refuel.

Saturday night we celebrated two of our friends getting engaged! We were out until way past my bed time. I decided to try a new recipe and it was less than impressive. I made guac how I normally would but added peas to healthify it a little bit. Well it tasted like chalk. I thought a little garlic and onion would mask it and I brought it to the party. Still tasted the same at the party but I’m over it. I used frozen peas so maybe it would be better with fresh peas. Oh well, you live and you learn.

**Have you ever tried to make a recipe healthy and it failed miserably?

The post Weekend Eats appeared first on Run on Oatmeal.

Happy Friday!

We made it! This week has seemed like it has gone by so slowly but that is probably due to my fun weekend plans! I have my good friend Hannah’s bachelorette party all weekend and we are staying at the Wilderness in the Dells!  Hannah and I went to pre-school together and I am so excited to see her get married in June! We have a condo and it is going to be the ultimate girls weekend. I am heading up today after work and I’m stoked if you can’t tell.  I am going to pack my workout gear and am going to try to recruit a friend to workout with me at least one of the mornings. I am hoping they have a good workout center.

The forecast looks incredible this weekend so in addition to doing the water park thing we are hoping to spend some time outside.

Friday Faves:

Favorite Salad: Sea food salads to be more specific. Can you even believe the size of the shrimp!? I wasn’t crazy about the peanuts but I made due. I would have much rather had pecans or almonds.

Favorite workout: I love this workout posted in fitfluential. It definitely got my heart pumping. Workouts like these are helping to assit me in my never ending battle with doing more strength training and not 100% cardio workouts.

Favorite treat: Chunky Monky Popsicles from Glitter and Spice are just screaming summer to me.  I love that you can see the bananas then of course the top is dipped in chocolate

Favorite breakfast: If Hummusapien’s Peanut butter banana breakfast pizza was delivered to me right now I would be in heaven. It seems like the perfect amount of sweet

**What would you like delivered to you right now?

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This weekend was a blast! I helped celebrate my friend Hannah’s bachelorette. We rented a huge condo for 14 people at the Wilderness resort. There was only 9 of us so we basically each had our own bed. Friday night we ended up just staying in and catching up. I basically ate my weight in taco and veggie dip.

Saturday morning I peeled myself out of bed and hit the treadmill. I had the place to myself so I snapped a quick selfie.

We lucked out with amazing 80 degree weather. Much appreciated after the 30 degree cold front last week. There was a pontoon shuttle to take us across the lake to the next waterpark. We got to enjoy some of the outdoor pools which rocked. I apparently adapted a fear for water slides because I only went on one. I knew I wouldn’t do the body slides but the ones with a tube have become equally as scary to me.

Saturday night, we took a shuttle to Bobbers a bar close by.

We danced the night away to pitbull while confetti made of napkins (it seemed like) fell from the ceiling.

Sunday morning came WAY too quickly. We didn’t get home until 2am but luckily I was able to sleep until 8am. That basically never happens. This is a weekend I will never forget!

**How was your weekend?

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Hola!

This week has gone by unbelievably slowly because the long weekend it approaching! It is supposed to rain this weekend which I am hoping is a prank. We are headed up to the Dells area to my parents cabin. My sister is headed to Paris and Scotland which means that we get my Nephew for 10 whole days! So excited!

I attended my first ever arbonne party this week. I was pretty stoked about this spread + pizza! We got to do a mini facial and foot soak. It was great to get home and not have to wash my face. It is the little things I tell ya.  My face felt amazing the next morning.

Friday Faves:

Favorite protein: If you follow me on Instagram you may have noticed my new spread of protein powders. I love Bob’s Red Mill’s products so I can’t wait to dig into these.

Favorite read: I am loving Defending Jacob so far. It is a legal thriller that will keep you guessing!

Favorite Sammy: I am not a huge sandwich person but this Buffalo Chickpea Salad Sandwich from Happy Healthy Mama looks absolutely amazing. Especially the blue cheese just completes it.

Favorite Jacket: American Eagle never fails to have the best jeans for me. I am considering purchasing this jacket. What do you think?

**Have you ever had a buffalo chickpea sandwich?

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Happy Memorial Day!

Thank you for all those that have served! I am having the most relaxing sunny weekend. Since we have my nephew while my sister is in Europe, there was never a dull moment this weekend. He is at such a fun age right now so I’ve been soaking it up.

We went to a petting zoo where a mean pig named Prickles ran at Emmett. He freaked out and that set the mood for the various other animals that we tried to get him to meet.

This kitten left him with a little scratch on his arm and he came back covered in dirt. I am pretty sure that his parents will not recognize him when they get back.

My dad was feeding this friendly cow and Emmett wasn’t having it.

Saturday afternoon we hit up a pool party at one of our friend’s pool. It turned out to be a perfect afternoon. We grilled out with tons of yummy salads and of course watermelon.

I am hoping that Tuesday goes by quickly. At least it is a short week!

**How was your Memorial Day weekend?

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Happy Friday!

I was able to get my butt out bed to cover 5 miles this morning. This week I helped my friend get her center pieces in order for her big day next weekend! I felt like I did nothing but I’m sure it’s better to work in teams to get it over with in 10 minutes. I can’t wait to see the finished product on the big day! I barely remember putting together centerpieces for my wedding. That probably means my mom took care of it!

This weekend we are celebrating a friends 30th birthday in Chicago and renting this boat! I am so excited to spend the weekend with friends!

Friday Favorites

Favorite pick me up: Life is Poppin’ has got me hooked on this healthy drink. I love this to get me going after a workout. The caffeine is always appreciated and I usually add a little protein with Vega powder.

Favorite snack: Popcorn in an empty ice cream tub. You are welcome.

Favorite sweet: Slice apple pie has the best crust of any pie I’ve ever tasted. Yes, we made a pie in June. Don’t judge.

Favorite stretch: I need to do this stretch routine a few times a week. Running = screaming hips.

Favorite snuggle: Seriously obsessed with my nephew. I couldn’t post without a pic of him, sorry.

**Do you have any weddings this year?

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Monday here you are again! We had the most fantastic weekend celebrating our friends 30th birthday in Chicago!

We started the day by grilling out on their rooftop. The spread was amazing!

We had the perfect amount of people for a 2 hour boat ride!

The forecast had a 80% chance of rain but we had perfect weather the entire time.

Don’t worry we had snacks on the boat because 30 minutes without food would be a disaster.
Our one major concern was the boat not having a bathroom. We survived though!

After the boat we hit up a few bars and played Buzz on an outdoor patio. We definitely got some dirty looks because we were obnoxious.  We ended the night with Homeslice and not only ordered cheese bread but 3 huge pizzas. It was the first time in forever that I didn’t wake up hungry.

For brunch Sunday,  I enjoyed this breakfast burrito with lots of guac. I skipped my run yesterday so I’ll need to make up for it Monday morning for sure.

**Ever played Buzz? I am extremely bad at it and always feel like an idiot.

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Hello!

I love the Hi Low posts that Carrots N Cake does, so I decided I should do one of my own!

HIGH: We looked at a house last night and LOVED it. The market is so insane right now so houses where we are looking are gone within a day or two. We are hoping we get a chance at it!

LOW: Can I note this is a major low? We lost my grandpa over the weekend and have had a crazy week with the services. Everything went smoothly and we not surprised to see how many people cared about my grandpa.

HIGH: Discovering these pretzels. They are a little more crunchy than normal pretzels. So good! I like the buffalo flavor too.

LOW: My snacking addiction. This goes hand in hand with the pretzels that are shown above. Can’t stop wont stop.

HIGH: Getting to celebrate one of my best friends weddings this weekend! It will be a late night I’m sure so I will have to prepare myself.

LOW: The fact that these Zucchini Pizza Bites from Damn Delicious are not in front of me right now. Only 5 ingredients people!

HIGH: One of my favorite books is a movie! This may be my first movie of 2016!

I hope you all have a fantastic Friday! I have back to back weddings this weekend and next weekend so it will be a busy one! I am hoping to get a longish run in on Saturday but not too long that I avoid the dance floor.

**Did you read Me Before You?

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Another fun weekend in the books! We attended a fun wedding for my friend Hannah! Her and Brian met in high school and have been together for 9 years. They are the only couple I know that both have the same last name prior to getting hitched! Saved Hannah a ton of work that is for sure.

The ceremony was outside and it was a warm one. They lucked out with no rain though!

The centerpieces were stunning! I loved the gold and the werthers original candies. I enjoyed a portobello mushroom vegetarian dinner that I picked at. I don’t love mushrooms so Ryan ate most of it. The risotto on top was super good though!

It was a blast catching up with people from my high school that I haven’t seen in forever. At around 10:30pm we were treated to some delivery pizza. I ate 4 pieces. It hit the spot.

I have 3 more weddings this year and if they are anything like this one I am going to be pooped!

**Did you have an outdoor wedding?

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Happy Friday!

It has been absolutely beautiful in the midwest. My morning runs have been cloudy and breezy which is ideal. Today I am trekking up north to my in laws. I am excited for a relaxing weekend but not looking forward to the almost four hour drive. I have downloaded a few books and podcasts to help me make it through. We are going out for a belated birthday dinner and hopefully doing a few things outdoors.

The house hunt still continues. The one we liked didn’t work out. We are back to being homeless but hopefully not for too long!

Friday Faves

Favorite Snack: Kalyn’s Kitchen posted these incredible simple Guacamole Tostadas.

Favorite Upgrade: I love when restaurants let you sub chicken for a veggie burger. I went out for a birthday girls night this week and was so happy when the server obliged to make me this salad.

Favorite Sweet: OH my gosh. I have been dying to make popsicles of some kind. The Candied Apple created these amazing pudding pops. My husband and I are in love with frosted animal crackers so they are right up our alley.

Favorite Sweat: I just started the 21 Day Fix Workouts! I love that they are under 20 minutes and straight to the point. My favorites are the yoga and the upper body.

** Have you tried the 21 Day Fix Workouts?

The post Friday Faves appeared first on Run on Oatmeal.

I celebrated my 28th birthday this weekend! I still can’t believe We ventured up to my in laws for a relaxing weekend. I love running at their house because they are hidden in the bluffs and it is so pretty. It was a pretty hot so I took a few walk breaks.

Saturday night, we went to the Freight House for a celebratory dinner.

I ordered a huge 10 oz salmon but started with salad bar. Sunflower seeds are one of my favorite salad additions.

Luckily, the restaurant didn’t sing to me but I still got some grasshopper pie.

Sunday, we celebrated Father’s Day with church and lunch. I stopped at Title Nine on the way home for a bra fitting. They have their fit fest going on right now. I highly encourage you to stop in and check it out! I will be doing a full review later this week on my fitting!

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