Extending Holiday Bargains

Turnips and cheese

During the fall/winter season there are great bargains to be had. Far better than most other times of year. For instance, here in the US there are certain foods that are attached to Thanksgiving so that grocers stock up and use those items to bring customers into the store. Rather than shopping for only one meal, occasion or season, stock up on the items you will use and enjoy throughout the year.

In my area, sales change on Wednesday, so Tuesday will be the last (theoretical) day I can get those bargains. There are some foods I love but save for only special events. But on sale I can collect a couple to save for later. Yes, I know, I'm shopping. But consider this, frozen green beans, $0.69/#, organic half and half $2.29/32oz (can be frozen), apples and pears from $1.00 - 1.99/# - even organic, and of course butter! The staples I use didn't change, but why would they? I have found a new grocer for organic oats, dried cherries, and some lentils. The rest I get online.

More chia seed cookies

It's your dollar, you may as well be as savvy spending as the marketers are working to get it. Consider the gift of consumable goods to friends and family. Who doesn't appreciate a treat now and then, or perhaps a meal? Check out recipes for easy spinach dip and simply delicious green beans.

To life! Abundantly!

A beautiful day to enjoy living

Shadow Marching

I've skipped Black Friday for a couple of years now. The main reason is that by the time I actually got to the store the deals are gone, captured by the shoppers who camped out overnight and took the store by storm in the wee hours. Since I was coming after work (you'd think 8 AM was early enough to go shopping) I was already six to eight hours behind the crowd. I just wanted some small thing, say a flash drive for $4 or a DVD for $5. No way. None left. "Those were gone by 5 AM." That did it. No point. By the way, I did find a 4 GB flash drive for $4, no shipping, online, in the comfort of my home. So, rather than braving the onslaught of those desperate for a bargain, I would rather decide exactly what I desire and need and do the research to find it.

Swing backwards from the top

Today, we went to the park, played on the "monkey bars" and walked on the trail. My granddaughter, DA, was scared to climb to the top, but eventually she made it and we learned the words, "Brave" and "Courageous." She ran off and left me repeatedly as she explored the creek looking for fish. And when we came home, she found a bamboo stick and we had a stick fight for she is Warrior Ballerina Princess.

The sun was bright, temperatures warm, and breeze soft. "I want to play, GG. Let's play." What better invitation is there?

Oatmeal Chia Seed Bars

Oatmeal Chia Seed Bars

1/2 cup nut butter 

1/4 cup honey

1/3 cup chia seeds

2 cups oatmeal - ground

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon spices - ginger, cinnamon

1/2 cup chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit - as preferred 

1) Soak chia seed in 1/2 cup water, tea, or juice

2) Place nut butter in a large sauce pan over very low heat.

3) Mix honey and nut butter until blended. Remove from heat.

4) Add salt and spices to ground oatmeal. Sprinkle dry ingredients over honey butter.

5) Add chia gel to mix. (That's what happens when chia seeds are mixed with liquid. Chia seeds can absorb up to 9x their weight.) The dough will be sticky.

6) Mix in any additives you have chosen - chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts or seeds.

7) Evenly spread dough in a baking dish.

8) Bake at 350 degrees for 10 - 15 minutes. If baking in a dark pan, check early and frequently to avoid burning. Baking is merely to set and firm the bar rather than "cook." When dough is firm and dry to touch, remove from over and allow to cook.

9) Cut into 12 servings. The bars may be wrapped and stored for easy use and transport.  

Enjoy with plenty of your favorite beverage for health and lasting energy.