Guys. I have been so good at budgeting this month. Yes, I only it’s only a few days in the month, but still. I went 3 days without spending any money at all. NONE. No fancy pillows, no donuts, no coffee, NOTHING.
That streak was broken Saturday when I went to make dinner for a couple of friends, and realized that I had used all my brown sugar making cookies the night before. Sigh. I had to go to the store – I had a plan! I was just going to buy brown sugar. No big deal. I ended up with 2 avocados and an onion, in addition to my brown sugar.
It really could have been so much worse. I didn’t even look at the bakery section. That’s progress.
So, I actually filled out my budget spreadsheet from last month. My home decor section (which honestly shouldn’t even exist) was out of control. I blame the fancy pillows. Those fuckers tricked me into thinking I needed them. It wasn’t my fault. My budget for home decor this month is $0. Obviously.
When I went to the grocery store on the first of the month, I decided it would be my only trip for 2 weeks. The following day, I was really sad I hadn’t splurged on granola. But, seriously, that shit is expensive. I figured I didn’t need it. But regular oatmeal makes me sad. So I had an internal battle with myself about stopping at the store and ONLY getting granola.
You know what I did instead?
I fucking made my own.
That shit goes for like $10 a bag, and I made twice as much with shit I just had lying around my kitchen. Genius. I’m so fucking proud of myself.
Be like me. Don’t waste your money.
Simple Homemade Granola
3 cups old fashioned oats
A handful of sunflower seeds (shell-less, obviously)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Splash of vanilla extract
Splash of almond extract (this is key!)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the oats and sunflower seeds in a large glass baking dish, and bake for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. While that is baking, whisk all other ingredients together in a small bowl. Once the oats are done, pour wet ingredients over dry, and mix all together. Pour everything on to a greased baking sheet, and spread into an even layer. Bake for 5 minutes, then turn off the oven but leave the pan in for another 5-8 minutes. Let cool/harden. Scoop some into a bowl, add some chia seeds, sliced banana, and milk. Feel smug about your frugal nature. Try not to spend the $10 you saved on fancy pillows or donuts.
**Side note: You could add any type of nut to this as well. I just didn’t have any on hand. It would also be great with dried fruit or chocolate chips, which should be added at the end (once it’s cooled). This recipe is easily adjusted to whatever flavor you want – be creative!
This is Harriet watching me scrape the granola off of the pan after it cooled. She obviously approves. Look at that look of desperation.
Tiny Ass Kitchen 