Odd English Muffin Habit
The sound of an alarm beeping is pretty awful but the feeling of completing a workout before 7 a.m. is pretty darn fantastic. It’s honestly never easy for me to get out of bed at 5 a.m., but I’m always glad when I do.
Today’s workout began with 20 minutes on the elliptical beside Ryan. We discussed our plans for this evening which include one of the worst activities everrr. Moving!
This week, on his way home from work, Ryan has been taking carloads of boxes out of our storage unit, so we don’t have too many boxes remaining, but we do have all of our furniture, mattresses and bigger items remaining. Eh.
After cardio, I did a total-body weights workout, very similar to the one I completed on Monday.
Breakfast
Breakfast today was sweet and savory.
Savory = Eggs + Cheese
Sweet = Jelly + Greek yogurt
As I was making my breakfast, I realized I do something kind of weird when I toast English muffins.
I always pick out the doughy bread in the middle on one of the slices to eat before toasting it. I guess I get too excited to eat the muffin before toasting it so I like to sneak in a little preview before it’s toasted. (I did it on the jelly-topped slice above. Can you tell?)
And now it’s time to get to work! I hope to check a few things off my master work list today before moving a bunch of the stuff in our house around in preparation for the big furniture move this evening.
PBF Book Club Winner
The first book we’ll be tackling for the PBF book club is…
Room!
Room received nearly 50 percent of the votes! I’ll be posting about the book and will have a bunch of topics/questions for all of us to discuss in the comments section on October 3. Happy reading!
Filed under: Breakfast




I wish I had your willpower to wake up that early and workout. I actually have no problem waking up early, but food is usually on my mind before exercise
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance
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Hahaha that it is a funny habit! But I swear, when you’re hungry, the longest minutes of your life are waiting for toast or the microwave! Ha
I’m excited about the book, by the way! Wahoo!
Anna @ Food Fitness Frolicking
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5:00am sounds so early, but you are right that once you get up and going, nothing feels better than getting a jump start on the day!
Have a good one
Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life)
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I love doughy bread/muffins–>delicious! I once made the crazy idea of ordering a turkey/avocado bagel in a restaurant and asked them to scoop it out, ie take out the extra doughiness..don’t ask! Happy Friday
Khushboo
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I do that exact same thing with my English Muffins and bagels. And only on one side too. Hey it works!
Kelly
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Moving is the worst…but it is nice to sort through everything and have a freah start!
Bee Goes Bananas
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I’m glad you share with us that it isn’t always easy to get up for those early morning workouts. I’ve been giving them a go the past couple of weeks now that I’m in med school and am just too tired later in the day. But when I wake up at 5 and want to go back to sleep, I remind myself lots of people (including you) don’t find it “easy” to get up but never regret it. Two cups of coffee and a 4.6 mile run later, I feel great!
Ashley
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I set up one of those little “sleep apps” to wake me up at the right point in my REM cycle…. I think I’ve negated any benefit by hitting snooze every time, but at least the efforts there, right? 2 early morning workouts this week ain’t bad.
In other weird food-eating news, my little brother hollows out his pizza crust and fills it with sprinkles of garlic powder or mixed salt or things like that to make garlic bread sticks, then dips it into the sauce on the pizza. Food’s weird.
Jordan @ food, sweat, and beers
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I cannot get out of bed at 5 am. I had to work at 6 am for a few months last fall and I was always late and felt like poop. What time do you go to bed to wake up that early? Also, good luck with the move and excited to read Room! Starting this weekend
Sarah @ SarahFit
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:29 am
we try to be in bed by 10 p.m.
peanutbutterfingers
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I do the same thing with English muffins! I love how doughy they are when untoasted, but I prefer them toasted for my sandwiches etc. Either way, they are delicious and I can’t help but pick at the nooks and crannies!
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill
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Muenster cheese is such a staple item in my house & you seem to put it on everything! I love cheese! Have you tried the low sodium muenster…it tastes just as good as the real stuff.
Becky @ Fit Chick on the Fly
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:28 am
no! i’ve never even seen it before. i’ll be on the look out!
peanutbutterfingers
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Good luck with your move! We just moved a couple of weeks ago and I still feel so unsettled… living amongst unpacked boxes!
And! After voting the other day and seeing Room taking a lead I picked up a copy the last night at Taget. Excited about the book club!
Krysta
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:28 am
woo! i’m glad it actually won!
peanutbutterfingers
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YAY I’m so glad Room won! I’m reading Savor at the moment, but I can’t wait to hear about your book because it just might be the next one on my list!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
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I swear we have some of the same little habits when it comes to food. It makes me glad you share these things because sometimes I think I’m the only one!
Ashley @ My Food ‘N’ Fitness Diaries
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Remind people not to read Room on the book or train. I read it on the tube when I was living in London last year and spent quite a lot of time snivveling and weeping. Embarrassing no?!
Alex Rawlin
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:28 am
yikes. good to know!
peanutbutterfingers
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That’s the best part of the muffin! I do it with bagels especially, mostly because the doughy parts sometimes fall out or stick to the knife when you cut them in half…oops.
Can’t wait to start reading Room! And good luck with all the moving stuff this weekend.
P.S. I think I’m going to be heading over to check out your tips on doing an early morning workout soon…time to start seizing the day. Oof.
Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray
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I’m glad that Room was chosen! I’ll add that to my Nook this weekend.
And I totally pick out the doughy center to eng muffins, bagels, etc.
Holly @ The Runny Egg
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Good luck moving! I’ve moved so many times, i know what a pain it is! but you always feel so relieved and accomplished when it’s done!
Meredith @ food, shoes, and booze
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I will be cursing the moving gods right along with you…Corey and I have the same wonderful plans on our agenda tonight. I HATE MOVING!
Carly @ Cooking With Carly
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:27 am
blehh. i feel your pain!
peanutbutterfingers
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Room was a great book; super disturbing, but very powerful. Enjoy it!
Good luck moving tonight. It’s the worst, but you’ll feel so much better when you’re done!
Hillary
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So, this is probably the most random question as it relates to this post, but do you have a toaster oven? Your cheese always looks perfectly browned so I figure you have to but wanted to check. . .
Kim @ Good But Getting Better
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:27 am
yes! i LOVE our toaster oven. we got it as a wedding gift and it’s fantastic!
peanutbutterfingers
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So excited about The Room! I’ll pick up my copy this weekend. Good luck with the rest of the move. Btw, i’m obsessed with double toasting my english muffins. The crispier the better.
Tabaitha
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How do you make your eggs? Are they poached or just fried? They look awesome!
Erin
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:26 am
fried! i just spray a pan w/ cooking spray and cook ‘em up.
peanutbutterfingers
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Isn’t the best feeling to get so muh accomplished early in the morning! Morning workouts are hard to start but I always feel so good all day after!
Hannah @PalmBeachRunner
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YUM! I always pick out the middle of any bread….its my favorite part!
Gen
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Ahhh- I hate moving!! Good luck!
Ali @ Ali Runs
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This is not exactly related to this post, but a request I have..I read your blog every day and think you are great
I love your recipes especially, because they’re healthy and usually easy for me to make for my bf and I. But I am still kind of new to cooking. Can you do a post about kitchen basics? I have no clue how to defrost anything, or for how long to do it (chicken, salmon, etc)…the proper way to wash fruits and veggies…what tools are essential…and so on. Thanks!
Amanda
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:25 am
that is such a neat post idea! yes! thanks, amanda!
peanutbutterfingers
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Amanda Reply:
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:35 am
Thanks!! This blog is part of the reason I got a crock pot, because I saw how easy it was! Crock pot I can do..but regular cooking, not as well. Also-my parents & brother live in Clearwater/St Pete area so I like your ‘local angle’. You’ve got to try Fresco’s on the water in St Pete – a few blocks down from the Vinoy – one of my favorite restaurants. And gelato from Paciugo’s!
Amanda
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ive heard SUCH great things about Room!
Heather
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That is sooo funny!!! I do the exact same thing, but also because I like when my english muffins are crispier and w/out the extra dough!
Marissa @ Meeses Pieces
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Yay I’m so glad Room was chosen! Really looking forward to the first PBF bookclub
Aine @ Something to Chew Over
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Yay! Looking forward to reading Room!!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape
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Reading your post about moving did not bring back happy memories. I lived in three apartments in a one year time frame. I got quite efficient at packing though! Pretty brave of you to tackle a total weights workout before moving… hope you are feeling strong or have some good helpers
Lindsay @ biking before bed
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I always do that when I make english muffins, I seriously thought I was the only one!! I don’t know why that middle part is just so good to pick out…the worst when when you go a little to far and then leave a hole in the middle of the muffin
Sarah
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Perfect timing. I finished the book I was reading last night!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
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HAPPY about the book. It has been on my Kindle list for a while and gives me a reason to bump it to the top.
Thanks!
Nicole
The Kidless Kronicles
Wag More, Bark….
Nicole
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I finished listening to Room (on my long runs). I went through it so fast because it was so good. Enjoy!
Liz
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Hey Julie, how do you get out of bed in early winter mornings? I struggle with that the most, warm toasty bed or bone chilling tempt, guess which one I tend to pick
Cecilia
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:46 am
oh gosh, that’s always a struggle! i love warm, comfy beds! i know it sounds simple, but commiting to just doing it for two weeks often allows it to start feeling like a habit and then it’s almost like autopilot. it’s never FUN to get out of bed in the winter, but the routine makes it a little less painful.
peanutbutterfingers
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I hope that when it becomes necessary to do morning workouts I will have your willpower and motivation to actually get out of bed that early! I LOVE the strawberry-banana chobani flavor!
Lindsay@ In Sweetness and In Health
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I’m not a fan of english muffins but my husband eats them almost everyday.
I hope your moving this weekend goes smoothly! Moving is the worst.
Lyndsi @ Lyndsi and David
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Moving is THE WORST. But just think of me…I’m doing it tomorrow
You’re not alone!
Liz @ Something To Chew On
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Have you tried putting one of those circle flat breads in the toaster while it’s frozen and before separating the two sides? When it’s done and you separate the two sides, the inside is SO soft and doughy. It’s the best thing ever and is delicious with peanut butter!
Annie
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love english muffins. I used to do the same thing with my bagels- eat the inside first.
nicole @ simply Nicole
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5am is so early, but you totally motivate me and make me think that I could definitely do the same and workout that early if my work day dictated that…you inspire me to have a can-do attitude in that respect!
I used to wake up at 5.30am to get to the gym at 6am, which was hard but felt AMAZING afterwards, knowing that I have worked out when the sun came up. Such a great feeling of satisfaction and productivity! 
Your breakfast looks delicious…I’ve bought some sliced goats cheese so i can recreate some of your cheese sandwiches…the gooey cheese always tempts me so! <3 xyx
Yolie @ Practising Wellness
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PS: good luck finishing the moving
xyx
Yolie @ Practising Wellness
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Yessss I love Room! Such a great read. Hope you enjoy it! Love the cheese & jelly muffin too
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite
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OMG! I do the same exact thing with my english muffin in the morning! some times I even use the piece I pulled off to scrap the sides of the Nutella or PB jar, I just think of it as my little appy before bfast!
Good luck with the move!
Andrea
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My alarm goes off at 6:55am every morning and that is a major struggle for me! I’m pretty sure my body would spontaneously combust if I tried to get up at 5am!
Marijke
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I just ordered the book and can’t wait for it to come in so I can start reading! I have always wanted to take part in a book club and I am pumped to be taking part in yours!!!
Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life
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I promise I do the SAME EXACT thing with my english muffins! I have no idea why. I love getting in my workout before 7 am. It’s the best feeling! Good luck with your move.
Brittany
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All the best with your moving! Yum eggs and jam are one of the best combos
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes
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My doggie woke me up at 5am this morning. I thought about staying awake and working out, but went back to sleep instead.
Emmarie @ Bananas and Beer
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Although I am a devoted reader (LOVE your blog), I have never commented before. However, I just had to today, as I ALSO have to eat a little out of my english muffins before toasting! Love that others do this too, and it’s not just me! Enjoy your weekend- despite the move!
Jerica
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I am loving the sweet and salty/ savory combo these days- can’t get enough! P.S. I totes pull out the insides of the English muffin and eat them before I toast it- I thought that was an unwritten food rule?!
Allison F
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I do that every single time I have an English muffin. Did it two days ago! I just love that doughy middle
Ally@GirlVFood
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So excited for the book club!! Already put a hold on the book at the library! Do people even use libraries anymore? I love them! Free books!!
Sarah @ Simply Dove Simply Life
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STOKED about “Room” also, strawberry banana chobani is fantasmagorical frozen. (stick a sick in the side by using a paring knife to pierce it.)
Cat @Breakfast to Bed
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Have you ever tried Biscoff spread? It’s so delicious. I just found it at The Fresh Market this week. It’s my new favorite spread for toast and english muffins!
Amy at TheSceneFromMe
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I’m secretly glad I’m not the only one who picks off the doughy edges of an english muffin before toasting it.
THOSE PIECES ARE JUST SO GOOD.
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss
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I LOVE working out in the morning!! SO great to have it done before the day begins
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife
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Good luck with all your moving today – I’m doing the SAME THING. Luckily, in Denver it’s 60* right now and let me tell you, this Southern girl is LOVING it!
Pamela @ GIrl Gone West
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Moving is so unfun! I’ve had to do it seven times in 13 years and that is way too much for me.
I can’t wait to read The Room and discuss it here. Yeah!
Rosa – Fitness, Food, Fulfilled
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Hahaha your english muffin habit made me laugh. I do weird things like that too! I always sneak some peanut butter out of the jar before putting it on my smoothie. I always eat some croutons off my salad before I get to the table, and I always eat some cereal out of the box on the way home from the grocery store. hehe
Liz @ IHeartVegetables
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Oh man, once I started reading ROOM I couldn’t put it down. It’s definitely disturbing but a good and captivating read. I hope you enjoy.
Rebeka
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I toast my english muffins twice before I eat them. I like crunchiness!
Alba&Dilek @TwoBaklavaStory
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Oh! I’ve had Room on my amazon wishlist for a while now! I would really love to participate in this, but the stack of Time and New Yorker magazines on my coffee table is getting dangerous. I may download it any way
Good luck with your moving! I highly recommend blasting music while you do it. Time will fly.
Nicole @ PancakesandPilates
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Moving is such a pain, but you’ll feel so much better when you’re totally settled! (And when Sadie has a couch to sleep on!)
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake
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we must be opposites because the reason i love english muffins is because i toast them one and a half times to get them extra crispy- but not burned. if i toast them on full strength once through, they burn, but at half strength one and a half times, they are perfect! yum!
sarah k @ the pajama chef
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“sneak in a little preview” just made me laugh out loud!! You’re such a ham, I love it!
Shari
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woohoo! i got the book yesterday, i was hoping you’d pick room.
Emily Anne – Open Book
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getting your workout done bright and early is so awesome. you’re so good about doing it every day too, I’m jealous!
Kait @ One Love Run
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I do the same thing with my english muffins..sometimes I get carried away and dig out sooo much of the dough part that its soo thin I put a hole in it. Be careful when it gets that severe it burns in the toaster within secondsssss! Ha.
Brittany
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that breakfast looks so good! I’m looking for bagel-thins tomorrow at the grocery store and might try to re-create some of your egg sandwiches! I used to get up at 5:15 to go run before school last year, and I felt so accomplished! Granted I went to bed at 9:30… I bet it’s easier though with Ryan there with you!
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats
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You are so impressive getting up that early to workout! I usually don’t go to bed until 12:30/1 though so by the time 6:30 rolls around, I am so exhausted- I can’t imagine getting up even earlier! And I really need to try this cheese-jam combo! It looks delicious! Ugh I hate moving too- but it will feel so nice when you guys are all settled! Good luck!
Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola
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I love AM workouts! Best time ever!
Jess @ Jess Go Bananas
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Love the idea for the book club. I just ordered Room from the library…looking forward to the discussion!
Lauren
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I’m excited about reading “The Room”. I just finished “The Help” and it was soo good! I need to go see the movie this weekend
Maggie
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Ha, I do the same whenever I eat those. I also like to take the crust from the top of a slice of bread before toasting as well; or even when I’m making sandwiches.
Alexandrina @ The Cardio Queen
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wohoooo!! I think i was the original who suggested Room- i love it so far so I hope everyone else enjoys it!
Allison
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yay! just got “room” on my kindle! can’t wait to get started!!
katyk
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Are you still planning to read the other two books??
Good luck with the moving– WORST life activity ever.
Shaya (Eye Girl Eats)
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I need to get that book on my kindle ASAP and get to reading =D
chelsea
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I love eating that doughy bread in the middle…so good! I thought you meant that you picked it out – and threw it away though!! Wheph – don’t waste the dough!
Baking N Books
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sooo i just bought some english muffins…do you ever use mozzarella or have u? maybe ill try it..looks so good!
Amy
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ooo I would love to join the book club. Is it too late? Or still open for anyone?
Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me
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Oddly, I do the same thing with picking out some of the bread! it looks so fresh when you pull apart the halves.. totally impossible to resist! I’ve been doing your cheese+jam combo Evvvvvvvery morning as of late! Addicted
sarah@spinach and spice
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I thought you should know that after reading your blog I have started to eat my egg sandwiches with jelly! I am huge on sweet/savory combos and tried this the other day and LOVED it. Keep them coming
Katy @ HaveYouHurd
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I picked up “Room” a few days after you posted this an already finished it! Can’t wait to see what everyone else thinks of this book!
Maggie
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Read that book several months ago and finished it in just 2 days! Couldn’t put it down! great read, but you will have to get use to the way the boy speaks
Christina
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I totally freaking do that with my english muffins too! OMGOSH! haha! I thought I was the only one apparently!
Carlee
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