I arrived home from work today to find a package full of deliciousness waiting for me.
Love Grown Foods, a company founded by an adorable Colorado couple, sent me several samples of their all-natural granolas. As some of you may know, I have “issues” with cereal and granola… my “issues” being that once I start eating either cereal or granola, I can’t seem to stop.
I selected the cocoa goodness flavor to try first. Oh gosh. It was fantastic. I then moved onto the raisin almond crunch. Another winner. And then the sweet cranberry pecan. The best!
I immediately poured myself a small bowl to enjoy on the spot.
Like all super-nerdy bloggers, I immediately turned to Twitter to shout out to Gabriela about the granola, since I saw that she enjoyed some of the original flavor this morning.
Before I knew it, this happened:
A Love Grown Foods granola lovefest between me, Gabriela, Allie, Katie and Clare! It really is that good.
I love how it’s sweetened with agave and honey and chock full of toasted nuts. The sweet cranberry pecan flavor was literally bursting with pecans (my all-time favorite nut).
I ate the bowl intending for it to be some pre-race fuel for this evening’s corporate 5k… until I remembered something super important that I had to do tonight for a special event tomorrow night. A couple of my girlfriends and I are throwing a party for another one of our friends (she knows, it’s not a surprise) and I had a few things to attend to this evening that took precedence over the 5k. Friends and family before fitness! 
Dinner
After checking some things off my personal to-do list, Ryan and I sat down to a quick dinner of pulled pork sandwiches with carrots and sugar snap peas on the side.
Guess what I had for dessert?
Yup, granola. I’m addicted.
I told Ryan that I’m slowing turning into an oat cluster! 
Okay, things are getting weird around here. First I turn myself into an oat cluster and then I send my mom a link to a pair of grandma shoes TOMS as a birthday idea for me…
I’m in the same camp as SkinnyRunner and think that these shoes, as she says, are seriously (seriously) fug, and yet she bought a pair today and I just hinted at a pair of the red stone-washed TOMS for my birthday. Apparently we caved into the company’s fantastic mission and the promised comfort you guys say that these shoes offer.
Just don’t call me Nana Julie just yet.
G’night everyone! I have to go drink a glass of warm milk and rinse my dentures.
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I think Tom’s are also ugly/cute/can’t decide, but I do love their mission! Also, I found this recipe and it screamed for me to post it to you- but you’ll have to wait til after Lent!
http://twotinykitchens.com/2011/02/23/peanut-butter-pretzel-bites/
See ya 🙂
i want these noooow.
I love my Toms…I have the silver sparkles 🙂 I get soooo many compliments on them. I thought they were a lil’ frumpy in the beginning (even with the sparkles!), but they’ve grown on me so much, and are so comfortable! Perfect for being on my feet all day as a teacher! I think you’ll like them once you start pairing cute outfits with them!
That granola looks amazing!!!!
Toms are definitely ugly, but everyone says that they’re super comfy!
I have GOT to get some of that granola!!!! it looks so freaking good!!!!
Everyone says Uggs are ugly too, but they are my favorite!!!
I understand the message behind TOMS, but I really don’t like the look or style of them sadly. I’ve never been a granola person, maybe I just need to try more types…
I love TOMS! This is so funny, I just posted about my love for them yesterday. I have four pairs and wear them everywhere! I actually think they are super cute and stylish, but I have sort of a hippie/laid back style so I get that they aren’t for everyone. I definitely think they’d be perfect for walking around Europe since they are both chic and comfy!
TOMS = short for a better tomorrow. Apparently tomorrow wouldn’t fit on a shoe, so Blake abbreviated it to TOMS. When you wear your shes, think of that. I promise that + how comfortable they are will soon make you a TOMS addict. When I first got my TOMS I thought “these aren’t so bad”. And now 1 year later – I LOVE them. I have worn them in Europe, and they are awesome traveling shoes!
Lol @ how this granola is ALL OVER the blog world at the moment.
I love Toms. Just saying.
That granola looks amazing! I need to get my hands on some of that to try! 🙂
I love couples who go into business together–so sweet.
i LOVE toms. i just ordered a pair. oh, if they get wet DONT microwave them.. they don’t do so well. just sayin’
I have these same Toms! I LOVE them!
Two thumbs up on the granola for dessert! Are you super pumped to return to the land of sugar?! haha
you have no idea. i plan to dive face-first into a bowl of frozen yogurt.
Lol! I’m jealous….freaking Northeast Ohio, ask me where the nearest fro yo joint is? Yeah…not anywhere near me haha
Aw I think Toms are cute… definitely cuter on than in pictures and are pretty fashionable nowadays. They are the most comfortable shoes ever though so it’ll be worth it for you.
I too have the same “issues” with cereal. I honestly think it’s the best invention ever (besides PB&J). I could eat a whole box in 1 day … if I have cereal, it’s definitely the “healthier” ones like Kashi or something, but my alltime faves (brings back major childhood memories!) are: Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Oh’s, Honey Nut Chex, Apple Jacks, Trix, RICE KRISPIE TREATS CEREAL (devilishly delicious), gosh, even Cracklin Oat Bran is amazing. I could go on and on, but I’ll stop there! Dang … is it lunchtime yet? I’m hungry again now! 🙂
I got way off topic. Back to your post. I’ll have to try some of this granola in the near future! YUM.
Have a great weekend!
I think TOMS are SO cute! They look ugly by themselves but they always look super cute on people. I’m waiting for a cuter yellow pair to come out before I buy a pair! Adam wears the mens lace up ones and I love them on him!
I enjoy your blog everyday, Julie! This is the first time I’m commenting, though – because I’d like to agree with Emma and the other people slamming Tom’s supposed great mission.
I didn’t know much about them until reading an article about foreign aid recently. If you think they’re cute – that’s great – but don’t buy them because you think you’ve done a good deed for the day.
But think about it…you’re paying $50 for 2 pairs of shoes. Does someone in need in Africa need a $25 pair of shoes that was sent in from America? Or would they be better off with $25 donated so that someone in their community could start a business and make even more pairs of shoes?
We’re flooding their market with imported goods when we should be teaching them how to build their own sustainable economy.
A good analysis (hehe -coming from a former Poli Sci major!) and interesting article:
http://aidwatchers.com/2010/11/a-tryst-with-toms/
this is a great point. thanks for the info!
Haha – the Oat Cluster photo is so funny – literally laughing out loud over that one!
The Love Grown granola looks and sounds delicious! Love the wholesome ingredients. I am going to have to find out where I can get my paws on some in my town!
Toms may not be the cutest shoe on earth but their mission is amazing and they really are super comfortable. I have a black pair and fully plan on buying another 🙂
i kind of love TOMS. and they’re super trendy too. i love the color you picked!! not granny at all
Heck, Crocs are some of the ugliest shoes ever, and yet I have a pair because they have to be one of the most comfortable things I have ever put on my feet! And trust me, Crocs are much uglier than those 🙂
I totally agree. Crocs should be banned.
I love Toms!! ANDDDD I think they’re super cute w/ a little cropped somethin’ like this http://www.prontostyle.com/product/free-people-womens-stretch-p_1889214196
Happy shopping!
Janine
Julie- have you seen the Tom’s wedge shoes? I think Tom’s are FUG too, but the wedge ones are way cuter. 🙂
I think TOMS are cute for spring and summer! You can pull them off :).
The granola looks so good! I like its nice color!
I might have to check out those oats! They look awfully good!!!!
I’ve TOTALLY always considered these completely fug. yet I just bought a pair of glitter ones. 😉 ooopsies..