Church Shopping
Ever since Ryan and I moved to Ocala, we’ve been “church shopping.” We loved our church in Orlando and are really hoping to find something that fits us as well as our previous church did.
We’ve spent the past few weeks going to one church but just haven’t connected with the pastor. We’ve loved the music, the people and the ambiance of the church, but the pastor just wasn’t the right fit and we really wanted him to be.
This morning we tried a new church and may have found a winner! We really enjoyed the service, the pastor had a lot more enthusiasm and it was much more relatable. We’ll be going back again soon, hoping it will be our new permanent church!
The church was located right near a new McDonald’s and Ryan and I walked over for hot drinks after the service.
A peppermint mocha for me (with a side of an awkward smile, apparently) and a hot chocolate for Ryan.
Surprisingly I really don’t like McDonald’s hot chocolate. It tastes so funky to me! Anyone else with me on this one? Ryan thinks I’m crazy.
Even though we just had breakfast before church (egg sandwiches again), Ryan is a serious fan of McDonald’s hot cakes and ordered them for a “snack.”
He ended up sharing and I had about a third. They really are fantastic! I tried to replicate them before with a recipe that called for lemon-lime soda, but my attempt didn’t measure up.
Post McDonald’s we hit up the grocery store and came home to change before making lunch.
Today’s midday meal included smoothies and a LUNA bar for me.
My smoothie contained:
- 2 frozen bananas (for maximum thickness)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
Three ingredients and bam… an awesome smoothie.
I was sent a box of LUNA bars to sample earlier in the week and have been really loving them as my afternoon snack. (They caught wind of the fact that these bars are my favorite pre-race snack. Very true!)
Today’s flavor of choice was the Nutz Over Chocolate bar which totally satisfied my love for the peanut butter and chocolate flavor combination.
It was great, though my all-time favorite LUNA bar is the White Chocolate Macadamia bar. Tastes like a healthified cookie!
Lunch fueled another day of hiking. We are addicted!
It really is such a treat to live so close to the Ocala National Forest and take advantage of such well-maintained trails.
Sadie agrees.
And now for a little fun!
Can you spot Sadie?
She’s a hunting dog and her pinkish nose, tan coat and beige eyes camouflage her so well on the trails.
See her?
The three of us had a great time on our two-hour hike. The weather was a bit cool and perfectly sunny.
You know how they say people and their pets can start to look alike after a while?
I’m beginning to see it…
They’re quite the duo.
Taking pictures with Sadie is never easy!
She loves my kisses. Don’t let her fool you.
She just loves herons more.
Now that we’re home, we are planning on making the rest of the day very low key, complete with a crock pot dinner and a movie night.
Oh! And the answer key to Where’s Waldo: Sadie Edition:
She’s sneaky.
Sadie should visit us here in Sarasota….we have about 15 herons within a couple of feet of our apartment at any given time!
She’d have a blast.
Sable@SquatLikeALady
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
can you also promise lots of squirrels? she’d be there in a minute!
peanutbutterfingers
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I really like the Nutz over chocolateluna bars. I buy them at Sam’s so they are cheaper.
Rebecca @ Naturally Healthy and Gorgeous
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it’s just not fair how much guys can eat.. i’d love to have pancakes as a “snack” too LOL! white choc macadamia is my favorite luna (and clif) bar too!
Mallory @ Have your cake And Eat It
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I’m not even a big pancake person, but there’s something about those Mickey D’s pancakes that always gets me. It’s probably because they are oozing with healthy. (I’ll just keep telling myself that.)
Jordan @ food, sweat, and beers
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I used to love McD’s pancakes growing up! I haven’t had them in years though… I wonder if they’re still the same as they’ve always been? They look the same!
Liz
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White Chocolate Macademia Nut bars are my favorite Lunas, as well!
I’ve been church shopping where I live, and I haven’t found my winner yet. I’m hoping it’ll happen some Sunday soon!
Have a great quiet evening
HRCK
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So glad you found a church you like!!!
Hopefully it works out!! 
Shelby
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I agree about the hot chocolate, I’m not really a fan. A Fe weeks ago my hubby was waiting at the counter for them to remake a cheeseburger (picky kids) and they accidently made mint hot chocolate instead of regular and gave it to my hubs, that was really good.
Annette @ with a side of brownies
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I love that wherever I go in the world I know that church will be beautifully the same
I love going to church, and I believe we all can find such peace there as well. Check out what I believe, if you want: http://mormon.org/ !
I love going outside! And smoothies! Sounds like a great day!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife
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Nutz Over Chocolate is my FAVORITE Luna Bar! I buy them by the box at Trader Joe’s
Stephanie
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Wow, I really didn’t see her! I even enlarged the pic and STILL couldn’t find her! Tals is the exact opposite–she goes tromping everywhere and makes so much noise you can’t miss her!
Heather@Just a Colorado Gal
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I am not a fan of mcdonalds hot chocolate either or their flavored coffees. I love their regular coffee though.
That Luna bar looks good. I think Luna bar is the only bar that I haven’t tried yet!
Heather H. @ Run Eat Play
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Really really wish we had luna bars here in Ireland! I had a couple when I was in Canada, they are incredible!
Michelle
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mcdonalds breakfast was our post-church tradition when i was little!!
Clare @ Fitting It All In
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I love your workout gear! And I found Sadie, but i had to view the full sized picture to do it. She hides really well!
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie
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i just moved Friday, so today was my first church shop! It’s exciting and frustrating at the same time.
Looks like y’all are having a wonderful Sunday
Katie @ Raisins&Apples
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I’m so glad you reposted the photo with Sadie circled in red, I was seriously starting to go crazy trying to figure out if I had found her. Sneaky dog!
Kim
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Will & I have been church shopping in Orlando since August! We’ve literally been to about 7, and finally settled on one what is just alright.
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance
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I can’t even find Sadie!
Sana
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I love LUNA’s
I haven’t had one in forevers!!! 
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes
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i wish you luck in the church shopping! my husband and i did that together when we moved out to utah a few years ago, and we were very blessed to be able to make our now church home the first church we ever visited out here. even more of a blessing, i now work at our church! it was definitely meant to be and is a perfect fit. i’m glad to hear this morning’s church visit seemed to be a success! i think it’s an awesome thing to do as a newly married couple… to make that decision just the two of you for your own little family.
on the LUNA note, i think we have the same taste buds because White Chocolate Macademia is my favorite and Nutz Over Chocolate is right up there too.
like you said, the Nutz Over Chocolate totally satisfies that PB & chocolate craving that i always have!
looks like a perfect sunday – enjoy your relaxing evening!
Ashley @ My Food ‘N’ Fitness Diaries
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I love Luna bars. My favorite is the chocolate peppermint!
Lori Lynn
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My boyfriend and I live in Orlando, just a few miles from UCF and we’ve been trying to find a church that we just love but are having trouble. If you don’t mind, what churches did you try here and what church did you end up calling home?
Thanks!
Dani
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Holly Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
I’m curious to know as well- we would like to find a church we love here in Orlando.
Holly
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Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:10 pm
Hi Holly! See above!
If you try Summit, I hope you love it!
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers
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Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:10 pm
Whoops! See BELOW.
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
We LOVED Summit! http://summitconnect.org/ Isaac was an amazing pastor and did a great job of making messages relatable, interesting and empowering. I literally have a notebook full of notes from services at Summit that I think about all the time. It is a great church with an amazing following. There are a lot of young people, children and families and it’s a very casual environment. They have a location in Waterford, too, which would be great if you’re by UCF.
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers
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Holly Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:38 pm
Thanks so much Julie
We are going to go to their Christmas Eve service. I have been looking for a good church with a relatable message- so nice to have a good recommendation!
Holly
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Dani Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:39 pm
Thanks Julie, we’ll definitely check it out!
Dani
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Lexie Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
I live in Orlando and have been trying to find a good church I would like. I am going to try Summit…thanks!!
Lexie
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my husband said the exact same thing about McDonald’s hot chocolates! Good to know, but at least they’re dirt cheap;)
Heidi @ Idlehide
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I definitely didn’t see her! Good job Sadie!
Alexis
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I love to hike too! We try to day hike every where there is a trail to be found!
Melissa
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Church shopping is hard! We live in a very small town so our options are limited…
Ally’s Sweet & Savory Eats
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I miss hiking!
it’s too cold here! But aparantly not there! …shorts in december?! :O
looks like you had a great time!
Haha, Sadie is hilarious! It looks like she’s thinking “whatever! you guys are nuts!”
Emma @ Getting There & Going Places
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How was the McD’s peppermint mocha? I’ve been wanting to try it to see how it stacks up to Starbucks!
You can really tell how little Sadie is in these pictures! I’m sure she is perfectly fine with your hiking addiction.
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake
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She is sneaky! I didn’t see her at first.
I love Nutz Over Chocolate. So good.
Alaina
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You’ve actually inspired me to find hiking trails in my area because I love being outdoors but for some reason just never think to go hiking…now I’ve found some good spots for Mike, Maverick, and me to go to!
Bess @ Bess Be Fit
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I’m not a big pancake person (or breakfast food person) at all, but there is something about McDonald’s pancakes!
Michelle @ Blogitness
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Smoothie sounds delicious! The McDonalds hot chocolates aren’t that great to me either, but their frappuccino (horribly full of calories and sugar) is
Ari @ AriTiana
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My mom, aunt, and grandparents live in Ocala, FL. My aunt and her family have been very involved in their church for years. If you haven’t checked out Meadowbrook Church (http://www.mbcocala.com/) I strongly recommend that you give it a shot because you and your husband seem like the kind of couple that would fit in with their ministry. Good luck!
Courtney
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 6:53 pm
thank you so much for the recommendation to try meadowbrook, courtney! we went today and loved it!
peanutbutterfingers
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How did you know when you could have Sadie off of a leash without worrying about her running off?
Nancy @ Beyoutiful Fitstyle
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looks like such a great time outdoors!
Simply Life
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I couldnt find Sadie until you pointed her out :p
White chocolate macadamia is my favorite luna bar too(: So delicious!
Olivia@unleashingmymind
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Apparently I’ve been missing out on McDonalds pancakes for 26 years! When I was young, and we were *treated* to breakfast there, I always ordered an Egg McMuffin or sausage biscuit. I’m not sure about lemon lime flavor in pancakes, but it sounds like everyone agrees they’re delicious.
I’m actually enjoying a White Chocolate Macadamia Luna bar as I type this. It’s by far my favorite.
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish
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I really need to get a dog so that I can go hiking more often! I fell IN LOVE with a foster puppy last weekend, but now I need to work on the boyfriend. As a commitment phobe, I don’t know that he’d be up for a dog:(
Sarah (I Dream of Beets)
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It took me a second to find Sadie! She blends in well! How long did it take for you guys to feel comfortable with off leash hiking? Our V, Phinley, doesn’t like to stay close when we’ve taken her out off leash. After a few panic attacks when she runs into the woods, we’ve decided to keep her on leash.
Amanda
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I’m glad you think you found a church you liked.
Brandon and I had a tough time trying to “church shop” this year. It can be a challenge to find someplace that you BOTH really like and can yourself at long-term! 
Kristen @ notsodomesticated
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… can **see** yourself at long-term. Evidently I can’t type properly after 8pm.
Kristen @ notsodomesticated
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I hope you fine a church home. Sadie would love it here we have a ton of squirrels!!!
Denise
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I didn’t even know McDonald’s had peppermint mochas! I bet they’re a ton cheaper than sbux. I need to try it out!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
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I love white chocolate macademia nut as well! I love hiking. I feel like I get a workout in without making it feel like a workout; it’s also nice to get out in nature. You make me wnat to get a dog so bad. I’ve wanted one my whole life but we were always going places on the weekends growing up. I’m also in my second year of college right now so can’t get a dog. I volunteer at a local humane society to get my dog companionship in.
Lorin
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I remember back PRE kids as well–oh the hiking. We hiked every Sunday afternoon–right after church we would leave–my how times have changed. I made some yummo white pretzels today–just almond bark, but then I sprinkled them with pumpkin pie spice–Pumpkin pie on a stick–I’m telling ya–You be sure and soak up all the hiking time you can and I am so glad you found a church home:) e
Elizabeth
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Nutz over chocolate is my go-to bar. I really don’t like bars all that much but that flavor Luna bar I can enjoy when I’m in need of an ultra-portable and convenient snack! I’ve never tried the white chocolate macadamia flavor though…and that is one of my favorite types of cookies…
Jamie @ Don’t Forget the Cinnamon
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Don’t take this the wrong way – but your lunch was a banana and a cup of milk…are you for real?? Oh and a scoop of protein powder…and a Luna Bar? That’s like a snack that people trying to lose weight eat.
You do realize your blog is idolized by pro-ana sites and girls right??
Way to be a role model. So sick of bloggers that are promoting their own shit on the internet and think they’re healthy when they are screwed up and have eating disorders themselves. Take a hint – and get a REAL JOB AND LIFE. Something rewarding where you don’t talk and write about yourself all day. Self-absorbed brat.
Katherine
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stevie Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 12:16 am
This is mean and completely uncalled for. Julie writes in her disclaimer that she does not post everything she eats. Let’s not online bully!
stevie
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 9:07 am
if you’re worried about my smoothie not being substantial, i’m pretty sure that it had around 400 calories (2 bananas @ 200 cals + a cup of 2% milk @ 120 cals @ + a scoop of protein powder @ 120 cals) and the luna bar had 180 cals… sooo, 580 calories is too low? i don’t count calories and assure you i am not starving myself and walking around hungry.
as far as your eating disorder reference, please read this post: http://www.pbfingers.com/2011/09/07/i-dont-post-everything-i-eat
also, i appreciate comments that genuinely express concern or criticism in a kind way, but telling me to “get a life” and calling me a “self-absorbed brat” doesn’t seem like it’s coming from a good place. i simply ask that you phrase your future comments in a way that is both respectful to you and to me.
peanutbutterfingers
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Ellie@fitforthesoul Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
ahhh yes, amen to this Julie! I am proud of you for being honest and loving through your response. That is all.
Ellie@fitforthesoul
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Karen Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Julie – you are an inspiration to thousands of people for many different reasons. You’re a great leader, writer and person. Don’t let anyone discourage you – you are a superstar!
Karen
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Alexa Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
what annoys me the most from people who talk about bloggers ‘not eating enough’ is the fact that no one will tell an obese person that she is eating to much. A commenter would never comment on an overweight persons blog and tell them, ‘hey, maybe you should slow down on those cookies.’
im sick of people commenting on skinny peoples eating habits.
Mean comments are formed from extreme jealousy that Julie can fit in her jeans with no problem.
Alexa
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What did you make for your crock pot dinner?
Jennifer
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Y’all are the cutest family! I just love seeing the pics of Sadie.I have 2 girl boxers that look similar up her. Funny story…you posted Sadie the other day in those cute pjs…so I bought my boxers Santa outfits at Target and they HATED them!!! They looked at me like ” Mom, why are you putting this on me!” It was so funny!
Jess
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 8:59 am
awww! i would love to see a video of that experience!
peanutbutterfingers
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I literally spent a minute staring at that picture to find Sadie with no luck. Looks like my skills are a bit rusty haha
Lena @Fit on the Rocks
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If you’re ever in NYC. Come check out Hillsong Church . It’s amazing. You wont regret it.
Gianna
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I’m w/ you with the church shopping — my husband and I just moved back to our home state (but hours from our home towns) so we’ve spent the last 4 weekends at different churches. It’s SO hard to find the right place — especially with the Christmas season as many services are atypical. We know we’ll find it — but it’s so hard while in process.
After reading articles like this: http://www.naturalnews.com/032820_Chicken_McNuggets_ingredients.html
I cannot eat at McDonalds…
jennyv
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Haha. My daughter and I were staring and staring to find Sadie. LOL. Good one.
Christine @ Oatmeal in my Bowl
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 8:59 am
she’s the best at hide-and-go-seek!
peanutbutterfingers
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I’m with you on the Luna Bars- white choc macadamia nut is the best!
Khushboo
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The hiking looks seriously amazing!!!! The Where’s Waldo Sadie is COMEDY!
Corrie Anne
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I adore your blog
I just wanted to wish you a happy holiday, and let you know that your blog is so fun to read! It’s informative and quality writing; it provides a different perspective on different things and products (like LARA bars!)
Thanks for all the great entries!!
Chloe
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 8:58 am
what a nice comment! thank you, chloe!!
peanutbutterfingers
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McDonald’s hot chocolate is different, but I am not the biggest hot chocolate so I thought that is why I never liked it. I have not tried their hotcakes ever but I have wanted to!
sarah
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I’m jealous of your warm FLA weather! It’s finally starting to feel like winter in the DC area and I’m not a fan- shouldn’t have complained about the humid, 60 degree weather we’ve had the past few weeks
Q: Why did you use lemon-lime soda to replicate a batch of McD’s pancakes?
Allison
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peanutbutterfingers Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 8:58 am
so random, right? that was what a recipe that i googled said to use. it was the only recipe that popped up when i tried to find a recipe to recreate the hot cakes!
peanutbutterfingers
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Your little family is so cute.
I love that you and Ryan spend all day on Sundays together—it’s sweet. Looks like a great weekend!
Casey @ Pocket Full of Sunshine
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I love the Nutz over chocolate LUNA bar too!! It was definitely my favorite until I had the peppermint one..oh good gosh. DELICIOUS!!! A bit sweeter, but it tastes just like candy..mmmm
dee
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We have not moved … well other than four years ago when we moved from Italy to the US. We have been somewhat distant from Church (NOT our faith) so recently we have been Church “shopping” ourselves … contrary to the trend we are looking for a more traditional Catholic Church, with traditional music … we are not there yet, but closer …
J @ … semplicemente j …
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I hope this church is a winner for you! I LOVED our church in my old hometown, and the people and my Bible study group, and that was one thing I was most upset about leaving. We have found a new church here but its just “not the same” and it’s so hard not to compare the two b/c its really not fair, but still hard.
Good luck!
Heather
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I totally know what you mean by needing to find the right church with a pastor you really connect with. A great pastor changes everything. I hope you find the one that’s right for you!
Dani
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I’m so glad you found a church you like! I went to about 8 different ones around me in Chicago and never found one that fit me. And I’m so jealous of your hiking! I wish I had something like that around me!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
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What!?!? I love their hot chocolate.
Alsoo, my favorite Luna flavor is Peppermint Stick, it taste just like a thin mint.
Nicole @ Giraffelegs
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Hahaha! This made me giggle, all your Sadie anecdotes, and the Spot Sadie picture. So cute!
I love hiking so much, it must be wonderful to be so close to that many trails. And extra wonderful to have a lovely pup to share the walks with! <3 Sounds like a fun day! xyx
Yolie @ Practising Wellness
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I can totally relate to the process of finding a church! My boyfriend (of 4 years) and I have tried to find a church in Chicago that fits us, but I swear it just doesn’t compare to the church we go to at home in Gloucester, Massachusetts! It’s amazing how the littlest things just don’t click! I’m glad that you were able to find one that is right for you, especially so close to Christmas!
Jennifer (The Gourmetour)
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I know! Church shopping is HARD, but so worth it to find a place that really fits. I gladly found my church 2 years ago and love it! Its so important to me to know where the money is going. My church now definitely is funding TONS of missions world wide
Hannah @PalmBeachRunner
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Julie-
Finding the right church feels great..but is such a tiring process sometimes! Don’t give up, God will lead you to the right place.
Good way to handle “Katherine” with the snide comments… your response was respectful and classy. It’s hard to want to be nice but you know what? It pays off. You reap what you sow and you just sowed some pretty nice seeds. Way to go!
whitney
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ohh awesome!! So happy for you guys~It’s truly not easy to find the church God wants us to be in and serve at! But when we follow His leading, then it’s just plain wonderful
I’ve been going through sooooooo many transitions for the past year! And still will be with perhaps MORE church moving b/c of my fiance’s ministry stuff, and then MARRIAGE! lol. But it’s all about how we respond.
Ellie@fitforthesoul
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Ok, I NEVER would have seen Sadie if you hadn’t circled her in the later picture.
Amber K
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I actually think that is one of the prettiest photos I’ve seen of you!
Dani
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So many people rave about McDonald’s new hot chocolate but I completely agree that it tastes funky!
Christina Akin
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Glad you maybe found a church!..my husband and I have been living in Pittsburgh PA for 2 years now with no luck on finding a church…looks like you had a nice weekend
Amy@ahealthyandhappyheart
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I found the same thing with the McD’s Hot Choc, I found a almost chemical taste..
Have you ever made your own Larabars?
try these they are awesome..
http://www.americanadianrunner.blogspot.com/
Kennyo
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opps.. I copied the wrong link,, here’s the bars
http://www.losetheshoes.net/2011/09/homdemade-larabars-recipe.html
kennyo
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Hey Julie! Glad you found a church that feels right, it can be tough, I know. I feel I’ve had to church shop so much with moving around lots these past few years. Hope all goes well and you settle in super quick! I find just jumping in and serving is a sure fire way to click in and meet people.
And as for the mean comment – don’t listen! I LOVE reading your blog each day and you honestly inspire me to be so much healthier and happier. You have such a balanced approach to food and such a zest for life. Love ya. That is all
Amanda
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I would have never been able to find her! Lol…that is too funny. I think it’s great that you guys live so close to a place that you can hike. I would have to drive an hour just to hike something like that!
I think it’s wonderful that you are also looking for a church to attend. I will be praying for you both!
Brandi @ Faith Fitness and Laughter
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I totally agree with you about the hot chocolate! I tried it last week, one sip and I was done!
That’s one of the hardest parts about moving, especially when you have a great one that you have to leave!
Congrats on finding a church
Ashleigh P.
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Love Ryan’s shirt! I have the same in green
The outrigger is so much fun.
Grace
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