Travel treat-My Great Coconut Granola-Great for gift giving too

This morning I need to make my traveling buddy, my homemade Coconut Granola.  I also need to get some off to my friend Kathy for her birthday next week.  I promised her a stash of it.   It also makes a great Christmas gift for close friends.

If you've even been stuck on a plane, had a flight delayed or stuck in New York City Traffic at 5:10 p.m. trying to get out of the City this can be a life saver.  It's a handy treat, no refrigeration required.  It has lots of fiber and will keep you full for the duration.

Granola is personal.  It's a matter of taste.  You should only use ingredients you adore.  If you don't like raisins like I do you might want to put in dried apricots or apples, but make it something worth eating, something you truly enjoy.   When I eat it I only put 2 Tablespoons on my morning yogurt, but I make sure it's two Tablespoons of sheer pleasure.  I don't sit down and eat a bowl full with milk, but I could.  I would eat 1/4 cup with milk but that's my limit.  Remember I just lost 83 pounds so I have my Weight Watcher Tracker to be accountable to as well as myself.

                                                            Ingredients I used

I use Frudtkt 45% from Ikea.  This is a Muesli with banana, papaya and coconut.  I have a wheat allergy and this does have wheat flakes but it doesn't seem to bother me.  This is a great base mix and you just add all your favorites.  If you don't live close to an Ikea, we don't,  you can  use regular oats but would have to add all the fruit yourself.  This is definitely a money save; everything is already mixed for you. 



                         Frudtkt 45% from Ikea


You've got your base and now let the creativity begin.  You are only limited by your imagination.  I like Craisins in mine.  I rinse them prior to putting in the granola mix and dry them to remove the preservatives on them.  I like a mix of great nuts so used Simply Almonds, Cashews & Cranberries Trek Mix from Trader Joes.  You can use any mix of nuts you like.  This is convenient and my family likes almonds even though I think they are too big for granola, but I accommodate them and just pick around them.  I also use Jumbo Raisin Medley from Trader Joes and rinse them as well.  I like the high quality ingredients from Trader Joes and the great prices, but if you don't have one near you use whatever your local grocer carries.    I also can't make it without 100% organic Coconut Flakes from Whole Foods.  This is the best and largest whole flake, unsweetened coconut I have found to date.

 Put all this in a large bowl and add about 8 ounces of raw honey, not the processed stuff unless that's all you can find.  Raw honey has so many valuable health ingredients that haven't been processed out with pasteurizing but read the warning on the bottle not to give to children under the age of 1.  Mix all in a bowl and spread on a baking sheet.  Mix in 1/2 cup brown sugar and mix thoroughly.

Spread it on a baking sheet.  You can use a Silpat, a baking pad that makes cleanup a snap.  If you don't have one just spray your baking sheet with a cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 24 minutes stirring every 10 minutes and a final stir when you take it out to cool.  If you want hard, hard granola you can bake it longer but I like a little crunch and not stone hard. 

Great for holiday giving too.  I try to find great packages for this simple treat

I keep a pouch of it in my purse when traveling and it's a great sweet treat with fiber.  If you've got an ice cream stand close by buy a cup of ice cream and sprinkle this sweet treat on top.  You can't buy that anywhere!

Kathy watch for your birthday package, It'll be in the mail in the morning.  Happy Birthday!
I would love to hear from you as granola is a wonderful traveling companion and I'm always open for new recipes.  A great adventure in cooking.

Our son has arrived at his new duty station-Afghanistan

We just heard from our son after six days of traveling to his new duty station in Afghanistan. Talk about a trip!  We've traveled a lot but never have had to travel for six days to arrive.

We went online this morning and noticed  he finally had a WIFI connection and was on Facebook. Thank God for the internet.  I never thought I would say that.

It was good to know that he was somewhere civilized enough to at least have that.
He's going to dinner tonight with the Italians!  Chow Bello!

Thanks all for your thoughts and prayers.
Please don't forget our troops this holiday season

What Every Woman Wants for Christmas

Hi guys:
  My Husband asks the same questions he has for the past 38 years; What do you want for Christmas?  At our age I don't know that there is anything we need, but maybe something we would want.  I thought and thought and thought for the last two days about this and all I could come up with was some great, high quality socks!   YES SOCKS guys.  Not diamonds, not a  new car, I got one a few months ago, yes just some really great socks like the ones they sell at Dillard's Department Store, Saks Fifth Avenue or J.L. Hudson's in Detroit.  I would even love to fly to London and walk in to Harrods and buy all the socks they have to offer but my passport expires in the next few months so need to get it renewed before we can do that. Harrods had an interesting beginning in 1849it started out as a humble grocery store.  It now boasts that it  is illuminated by 11,500 light bulbs at night.  During our last trip to long we checked Harrods out and would you believe a bra that cost $850; I was shocked!  It was fun to browse through all their offerings and also to see the Diana Exhibit that they had as well and then we were off to the basement to buy budget friendly souvenirs for everyone.  I don't know how much the socks will be but I bet $100 a pair.  I better only ask for 5 pair for Christmas just in case Santa's on a budget.

Well ladies what is it every woman wants for Christmas?  A Louis Vitton purse, a Dooney, a new sport's car, maybe a fur coat?    At 63 I've had it all and really this is all I can think.  That is as long as I get good health, love and family to go along with my socks.

Lets hear what it is you ladies are wishing for this season.  Happy holidays to all

What to do with your pets when you travel. Boarding is an expensive option

When we travel finding a caregiver for our puppies, all four of them is a challenge when our daughter and her husband are traveling with us.  The best option, if you can manage this, is have a trusted, mature family member, someone you know care for your kids.  Our daughter and son-in-law are the first line for us but when we want to travel together it becomes a harder challenge as she has three dogs as well.  We usually exchange caretaking but sometimes that isn’t possible.
Before we retired and moved I had a very very dear friend and we would also care for her pups when they were vacationing and they would do the same for us.  Now that we live 2900 miles away we don’t have the luxury of this great arrangement.
Family first, friends if it’s someone you know very well and know how they will interact with your pets.  When we had exhausted these two options we would seek out lodging that allowed us to bring our pets.  At Disney World they have great care options and we could visit the kids everyday.  Not all facilities are this Fantastic so be careful when you use a boarding kennel or vet for caregiving.  In the past the vet would be a last resort.
Maddie and Zoe the black sheep.
 The three Yorkies

Military Mom and Dad tourist in our own town

It’s always fun to see what you might have missed in your own town.  We spent the week traveling around Charleston and discovering things that we miss in our day to day activities.
Charleston is the most visited city in the country and a favorite destination wedding city.  There’s lots to do here and bargains to be had.
No matter the city always research discounts online and also check out Restaurants.com before traveling.  Groupon is also a great place to help stretch your travel dollars.
Come along with Scott, my retired sailor and I on our adventure.  We know all the great hidden places to take you on this adventure.  The settings for Army Wives filming, the old Navy Base, home of the Hunley,  The Civil War Submarine that was recovered, the Breach Inlet on Isle of Palms, an old cemetery Muster grounds near St. George, South Carolina, hidden church yard cemetery’s that are missed as people walk down King Street or through downtown missing 99% of what Charleston has to offer.  Let us take you on a tour of our town week by week we’ll take you to a new gem that most tourists will never find.  We live here so have plenty of time to Explore.
One of the best kept secrets is Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, home to Fort Moultrie and even Poe’s, named after Edgar Allen Poe who was stationed on the Island many, many years ago.

Breach Inlet where the Hunley was recovered.


Fort Moultrie looking with steeple of Stella Maris in the background.


A special look at the landing of Dewees Island.  Many folks will never be allowed to see.
These two Islands are  many times passed by as tourists rush to downtown and forget we have some beautiful barrier islands to explore.  Many pass right by too on the way to Hilton Head Island but don’t miss these two gems.  Island Realty, the largest vacation rental company on the two islands can help with lodging and should you decide you want to stay for the winter and become a snowbird they can even arrange an inexpensive extended stay for you.  They are still family owned and operated and manage more than 400 vacation rentals on the two islands and even have getaways on Dewees Island, a place you can only go to by boat and you have to be a guest or renter to even travel there.  Should you be fortunate enough to travel there look for the two mascots that live at the boat landing, McNugget the chicken and his best friend Top Cat, a beautiful black and white cat that accompanies McNugget as she strolls the landing.
We’ve got lots for you to see so don’t miss it.  Please follow us and check as we continue your travel adventure and share money saving ideas for you getaways.
Hope to see you soon.

Traveling smart in Charleston South Carolina

Being a retired Military Mom it is imperative to be smart when it comes to traveling.  Finding value is important as well as rewarding those that provide the service.  I think when you travel and receive exceptional service that it’s important to recognize those that made it happen.
Charleston being our home base it is always a great find when Groupon or Restaurants.com reward folks with specials at great establishments.  Check out their $5 million in Groupon Bucks.  Eat well when traveling and enjoy!
Our son is on his way to Afphaghanstan and has found himself in some uninviting places during his four day journey from San Fran to Manas AB today.  Tonight he will be in the dreaded big “A”.  Prayers go out to all those that serve.  Families sacrifice a lot for us to enjoy our way of life and hats off to all.  Check out social media for more bargains.
Having lost 83 pounds this past year and a half it’s important to remember to search for healthy food options but enjoy the adventure.  You can have an unreasonable treat but make it small, don’t make a whole buffet of bad choices.   I always try to find fresh, local veggies and seafood and try to search out of the way gems.  Check out the side streets and less worn paths.  Who knows what you’ll find.
Today while in downtown Charleston we found a great little bakery, Saffrons.  The owner is from Iran and his mom is French.  What a great place this was for a cappuccino and Chocolate Croissant.  The mocha in the espresso had an oaky hint as well as a hint of cherry.  I thought maybe it had been aged in an oak barrel that had a cherry liquor but wasn’t quite sure of the source of the layers of flavor. Located at Calhoun and East Bay.
Another great find is Magnola’s Restaurant in Downtown Charleston, Great Southern Fried Chicken and Fried Green Tomatoes.  To die for!

Happy Traveling.

Saving Money with Coupons; Don't Grunt!

During the past few months I have been clipping coupons and trying many prepared meals only to find out that my family won’t eat them.  Being as expensive as they are, some $10.00 or more for a dinner for two, my family appreciates my efforts each evening when I cook a meal from scratch.  A hard concept for many, yes, but not being one to buy bagged or boxed meals I had to see what the other side was like.
When our kids were growing up and I was working dinner would come from a box, Stove Top Stuffing, Hamburger Helper, and everyone’s favorite to this day, Kraft Mac and Cheese.  The first, the original, not the fancy new ones with sauce packets.
That was fine for the younger years but after figuring out that I can make  a much healthier and better tasting meal for 1/10th the cost of the packaged ones and guess what?  NO Preservatives in mine and no ingredients you  can’t even pronounce.  I know you’re all saying that there isn’t time, but there is.  MAKE IT.  Enlist help from the family, precook parts of the meal and it will take you 20 minutes or less to put a wonderful meal on the table that you can’t get out of any box.  GO FOR IT!
Don’t get me wrong.  I like short cuts but when I can make pasta in less than 10 minutes and have a stroganoff on the table by using a little cornstarch and bouillon and other spices from the cabinet,  my family now wouldn’t let me get away with anything less. So do it from scratch, not from a box.
Tonight is pizza night at my house.  It was either that or a frozen, prepackaged P.J. Chang’s that I got on sale and had coupons for.  We’re going to give it a try when I don’t have time to cook, but for tonight it is homemade.
Hope your dinner tonight is memorable for all the right reasons.