My Etsy Shop!

Check out my new Etsy shop at barbaliciousone.etsy.com . I only have a few things listed so far, but hope to have more soon. All of my items are hand made (with love) and I want to encourage everyone to go greener. You can start by using fabric shopping bags when making your purchases. Watch for more!

The Best Granola Recipe Ever!

Finally, here it is (sorry it took so long Stacy!)

OK, so I usually double this recipe because it's so darn good. It's great mixed with plain yogurt or in a bowl with milk, or just grab it by the handful for snacking.

2 cups rolled oats (not instant)

1 cup peanuts or toasted almonds (I use sliced almonds)

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds

1/2 cup coconut (I use sweetened, but you can also use unsweetened)

1/4 cup wheat germ (optional)

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup dried apricots

1/4 cup cooking oil (not olive oil)

1/2 cup honey (I add a little extra, I don't really measure any of this, I mostly eyeball it)

Mix the oats, nuts and grains in a large bowl.

Measure the oil and add tto the mixture

Measure the honey and add to the mixture

Stir until everything is evenly coated and pour into a baking or roasting pan

Bake at 300 degrees for about 30 minutes, stirring and or turning the granola every ten minutes, until golden brown.

After cooking, return it to the mixing bowl, and stir in the fruit (You can use any kind of dried fruit, raisins, apples, pineapples, etc)

Store in an airtight container (if it lasts that long) Yummy!

My New Venture!

I've found a new passion, Jewelry! I'm selling Silpada Jewelry now as a way to earn some extra money. I was introduced to Silpada Designs Jewelry last October and fell in love with ALL of the pieces. These are a few of the pieces that I've earned by selling as an independant Silpada Designs Representative. I'm looking forward to earning more jewelry and having a little more cash so I can do some of the things that I like to do (like visit with my grandchildren, which in Nate's case, involves a lengthy flight).

I want to invite everyone to host a party, a Girl's Night Out! and have fun with friends trying on beautiful jewelry. As a hostess, you can earn free jewelry yourself. There's no hard sell, just some nibbles, a glass of wine, and fun playing dress up. Notice the long quartz necklace, I wear it when I'm volunteering at Hearst Castle, it looks like it could have been made in the 1930's, but also looks great with my every day clothes. I'm really having fun with this. If you like what you see please contact me through my web site www.mysilpada.com/barbara.helmer

I would love to come to your house or business and let you and your friends have fun trying on jewelry, while enjoying some girl time!