Proudly Introducing....Maggie

I'd like to introduce you all to my dear friend, Maggie. I have known Maggie now for almost ten years and she is very good at many things. She, however, is exceptional at working out, eating healthy, and being green. Even DH says that she is, "Inspirational". So without further adieu, here she is...

Thanks Jennie for the chance to write! Jennie has taught me so much! She has great, practical ideas that have made my life much better. I am a Coupon Shopper. I don't do as well as Jennie, but I love it! I Speed Clean - not enough, but the method is there for me, saving me time while ensuring my house really gets clean. I could go on about Jennie, but she runs a tight ship and I need to get to my point. :)

Since January, I have really focused on losing weight. For 15 years, I have wanted to lose weight. A HUGE energy drain, on my mind - and my middle - every day. Now, I am committed! Every Wed, I email a friend my weight. This accountability is key for me. It is taking a long time, but I am on the right path, and I will not quit! It is often hard to make good choices. With practice, it is getting easier. When (not if - but only once) I have 3 pieces of cake for dessert, I enjoy it. Then I resolve to do better the next day. I am happier with my weight now, but I am not at my goal. I will go all the way this time! I have lots of practice committing to losing weight and I am ready to follow through!

I also try very hard to be green. With these 2 priorities in mind, I have an easy snack recipe to share. SAVE THE CRUMBS FROM YOUR CEREAL BOXES! We don't like eating them, so I save them in a container, all different cereal bits mixed together. These are the basis for the bars. These bars are healthy, the kids like them, there are no granola bar wrappers to throw out, and you don't throw away your cereal dregs!

Good For You Bars:

2 cups cereal crumbs and whole cereal - multiple types are fun for the kids to identify!

2 cups oatmeal

1/4 cup Flax seeds, chia seeds or wheat germ

1/4 cup sesame, pumpkin or other seeds

Mix together

Heat on stove:

1 cup of honey

Just before it boils, remove it from the heat

Add:

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

Stir the honey mixture into the cereal mixture. If it's not sticking together well, you can add more honey or maple syrup. After you have stirred it together, add" 1/2 cup chocolate chips, craisins or raisins. If you add the chocolate chips at the beginning, they will melt.

Spread in a 9x11 pan coated or lined with wax paper. Cool in the refrigerator. If you are in a rush, put them in the freezer. Cut into bars. Put them in a Tupperware in the fridge. Otherwise I am tempted to take a piece out of the pan every time I open the fridge!!

Modify however you like and enjoy!

*This is Jennie again - I have had these bars and they are really yummy and my kids love them too! Thanks Mags! And a disclaimer - the twins in the photo are mine. However, Mags you can borrow them ANYTIME you want. ;)