When the sun came out this week I knew it would bring with it good things. Boy, was I in for a pleasant surprise! I think it's safe to say I was stunned, delighted, and totally honored to be Freshly Pressed by Wordpress this week!

(Thank you Wordpress!)

These things often happen when you 'don't feel ready' as there are a few changes/additions I had been planning for this blog, but as it always goes.....you just go with it! A favorite quote of mine from a Paul Arden book says: So in that vein, I 'fixed up' a Facebook page for IPOM that you can like (or I hope you will!) it's here, or just to the right on the sidebar - thanks so much!

I am beyond thrilled to meet all of my new (and fabulous) IPOM readers and continue to share the journey with all of you - thank you for joining me in my pursuit of finding more with (just a little) less, and a most hearty welcome! Granola is a favorite of mine.

Not in the hippie-patchouli-incense way either (though all of those things are lovingly fixed squarely in my DNA)...but the yummy, nutty, clean eating breakfast way! I love to grocery shop. I love markets, and I love color. A good grocery store is my happy place, always has been. I avoid the center aisles as much as possible (save for pasta, pasta sauce, and boxed snacks for my cracker loving 8 year old), and this means the cereal aisle. My dad joked to me years ago as a child that the cardboard box processed cereal comes in had more nutritional value than the sugary refined 'dessert' the box contained. I am sure there could be (just a little) truth to that - but regardless, I avoid food from a box as much as possible in favor of inexpensive bulk staples and fresh, colorful, inspiring foods...because (IMO) it's just better.

One of those cheap staples is oats. Enter an easy, convenient, delicious alternative to bagged granola and boxed cereals. This real granola is made with 100% clean, 100% natural, and 100% accessible ingredients. You won't feel too full after eating this, as you don't need a lot (a little goes a long way). It's chewy (great for mindful eating), and you don't want to rush this, it's just that good.......and I promise, your whole family will love it!

Coconut Maple Granola with Cocoa Nibs:

Adapted from the Silver Hills cookbook, 1996

(4) cups slow oats

(1/2) cup shredded coconut

(1/2) cup slivered raw almonds

(1/2) cup raw sunflower seeds

(1/2) cup raw pumpkin seeds

(1/2) cup cocoa nibs (optional) (1/2) tsp salt

(1/2) cup real maple syrup 1 tbsp real vanilla extract Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Combine all dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Add vanilla and maple syrup and mix well with your hands - don't be shy! Bake in a deep baking pan (you can also use a cookie sheet) and bake about one hour, or until dry. Make sure to mix the mixture a few times while it cooks to prevent burning and promote even cooking. Serve with cold milk or yoghurt, and some added hemp seeds, cranberries (as shown) or with any other real ingredient you desire. This will keep in a container or glass jar indefinitely and the recipe can easily be doubled - and you'll likely be making it often!