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It is a beautiful snowy winter morning here in North Idaho. I love all the seasons! Each has its own beauty and uniqueness. About the time I am tired of one season the next is coming up. There is always something fun to do each season. We have had a lot of snow this winter which means I feel like baking!

winter

Today seemed like a good day to make granola. It is super simple, delicious and makes the house smell like you’ve been slaving over a hot stove baking all day! Not only that but it is much cheaper to make than store-bought and tastes better.

granola

There is something about smell that makes a house “feel” clean, cozy, welcoming. All the things that you want for your family and friends.

I spend a lot of time in my home and I want to feel like it loves me! I want my home to hug my family when they come home from work. I want your home to feel like that too!

You can’t always be making granola but you can do things to make your home feel welcoming when you come home after a long day. Have dinner in the crock pot, have your favorite beverage waiting for you in the fridge, have your favorite scent in the wax warmer. Think about your future self and how you will want to feel when you walk in the front door. It can be very simple things that take only a moment. If you know it will be dark out when you return, leave the porch light on and the light over the clean kitchen sink. There is something about having a light on for you that makes you feel loved. Treat yourself (your future self) and your family the way you treat your guests. Put your favorite book by your chair. Set your coffee pot to start automatically in the morning and put your husband’s favorite coffee mug next to the pot. Have a warm fleece throw on the couch to cozy up in.

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Make yourself and your family feel like they are walking into a retreat and a refuge from the world when they arrive home. You get beat up all day, your home should be your safe place, your peaceful sanctuary. A home is more than a place to hang your hat. Your home is where you can be restored. You and your family deserve that! Your home is yours and it should love you back!

I would love to hear how you make your house a welcoming warm place to be for you and your family!
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Here is my granola recipe!

Granola

Different flavor combination ideas, or come up with your own!
Pecan pie: pecans, honey, brown sugar, vanilla
Hawaiian: macadamia nuts, honey, vanilla, coconut
Pumpkin: Pumpkin pie spice, rum extract, walnuts

3 cups old-fashioned oatmeal

1 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup sweetener : honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup coconut oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup coconut opt

1 cup raisins opt

1 teaspoon spice of any kind cinnamon opt

1 frothy beaten egg white

Mix oats, nuts, salt, and spices into a large bowl.
Add honey, brown sugar, oil, and beaten egg white
Mix well.
Spread out on a large baking sheet on parchment paper
Bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes. Give it a stir and return it to the oven for 10-15 more minutes watching to be sure it doesn’t get too dark.
Stop when the granola looks toasty brown and smells incredible.
Let the granola cool completely in the pan without stirring, then break up and store in an airtight container.
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