Tasty, Easy, Inexpensive Granola

I got this recipe online at Recipezaar. It's really easy to make and will keep in an airtight container for about a week. (We usually eat it up way before that since it is so yummy!) I was looking for a granola recipe with easy, simple ingredients. We like to eat this as cereal or on top of our yogurt. I usually double the recipe.

Quick 'n' Crunchy Granola - Serves 4 to 6
3 1/2 cups Quaker Oats (uncooked)
1/3 cup Butter or Margarine
1/3 cup Honey
1/4 cup firmly packed Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla (I often put a little more!)
1-2 teaspoons Cinnamon (We added this one-optional.)

1. Melt butter in microwave.
2. Heat honey in microwave for 45 seconds (if too thick.)
3. Combine all ingredients in large bowl. (I sometimes mix the other ingredients first, then add to the oats.)
4. Pour into cookie sheet with a lip or baking pan.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, stirring after the first 10 minutes. Very important to stir once while baking.
6. Stir again and cool completely.
7. Store in air-tight container.

Inexpensive Furniture

The key to finding a good deal on furniture is patience. Wait for it! Here is an example of some of the different ways to get decent furniture without paying a fortune. (Excuse the lack of decoration in the picture!)

The rug was bought at Lowes 75% off. It was normally $400, on sale for $100.

An end table you can't really see (Christmas Tree on it) was $40 at Cost Plus because it was missing a knob ... something easily fixed.

The armoire and two side consoles were between $500 & $600 at an outlet store in the scratch and dent section. Do small scratch and dents really matter? Call it patina!

The leather and wood ottoman was $120 at a model home furniture sale. There are companies who handle these events. You can check their web sites for upcoming sales. All the ones I've been to have long lines when they open and are cash and carry. These sales can be a really great place to get furniture. You have to be careful though, sometimes the furniture in model homes isn't that sturdy.

The couches are hand-me-downs. They were "messed-up" and needed the attention of an upholstery shop to the tune of about $400, but still MUCH cheaper than buying them at a furniture store and great for the environment.

Another wonderful furniture option (also good for the environment) and a cost effective way to buy unique furniture is to shop antique stores. You can really get some great deals if you shop around!

Ideas for Inexpensive Christmas Gifts

I've been busy, busy lately so haven't posted for a while. Thought I'd get back on the saddle with a post on various sites with ideas for inexpensive Christmas gifts.

This year the best thing we did to save money was buy at the after Christmas sales last year. We are still using gifts we bought last year! Also, I'm making homemade bread for teachers and people at church and am giving gifts of photography in frames I got on sale. As I mentioned in a previous blog, I'm using leftover Halloween candy for the Christmas stockings. I'm also using the Christmas sales to pre-buy gifts for upcoming kids birthdays.

Who says gifts have to be new? We can also nab them at Thrift Stores and feel good that we're doing good things for the environment.

One of my favorite gifts to get is salsa ... simple, healthy and inexpensive. May the force be with you while you strive for frugality this season!

http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/money/personalfinance/pkgholiday/20081103_orig_savemoney (Have to go through the slide show)

http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/money/personalfinance/pkgholiday/200812_omag_cheap_gifts (Have to go through the slide show)

http://www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/money/63giftsunder10dollars.htm

http://frugalliving.about.com/od/gifts/Cheap_Christmas_Gift_Ideas.htm (This one is really good ... has lots of links ... homemade gifts, food gifts, free gifts.)

http://rubyglen.com/articles/handmadechristmas.htm

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/business/consuminginterests/blog/2009/12/cheap_easy_lastminute_homemade.html