Tips for Smart Shopping

Today on yahoo.com, one of the main stories was how stores get you to buy more than you think you are buying with special wording, product placement, and "sales". I think that this information is so prevalent for moms, since we try us best to get our money's worth. As a Smart Mom, I try hard to keep expenses at a minimum and be a smart shopper. For some of my ideas on smart internet shopping, visit the Smart Mom site for tips and details.

Thankful Tuesday's

Joining Betsy today, I am thankful also! I am thankful my husband did not burn down the house while I was at a meeting tonight. I left the plasticy cutting board on the stove, turned off, after dinner was cooked and ready to eat. He decided to make our son some pasta and turned on the wrong burner. According to his account, when he realized his error from the funny smell, he lifted the cutting board and there was actual fire under the board. Not to mention, the plastic component of the board was on the glass top stove. He is now committed to cleaning off the counters so I have a place to put the cutting board besides on the stove. And I will do my best! We would hate to have to lose the house over a request for pasta!

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Chewy Granola Bars

My friend Amber at Homeschool Diva gave me this recipe for chewy granola bars:
3 cups oats
1 cup flour
1 t. baking soda
2 t. vanilla
2/3 cup butter, softened
½ cup honey
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup mini chocolate chips or M&Ms
Optional: raisins, dried fruit, sunflower seeds, chopped nuts

In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, and baking soda. In another bowl, combine vanilla, butter, honey, and brown sugar; add to oat mixture and stir until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour into a lightly greased 9x13 pan. Lightly press mixture into the pan with the back of your spoon. Bake at 325 for 22 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes then cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving.

You can also mix molasses and the honey to give it a different taste. I used whole wheat flour too.

A nutritious healthful snack!

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