Tip 1: Creating That Perfect Halloween Costume For Less

There as thousands of Halloween costumes to choose from these days.  And many costs more than $100 to buy.

Tip:1 Choose a Halloween costume with your child that you both can create together.  You may not be able to sew, but I am sure you can use a glue gun.

Go to the dollar stores, Salvation Army etc.

Don't Let Food Go to Waste: Freeze it!

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Did you buy more than you needed? You Could not resist buying everything on sale! Now you have more than you and your family can eat.

Don't let it go to waste. Here are instructions for freezing some foods you may have never thought of freezing:

Eggs

Mix the yolks and egg whites together, and pour into an ice cube tray. Two cubes are the equivalent of one large egg.


Milk

Store in its original container, but pour out enough milk to allow for expansion – approximately a cup per gallon of milk. Thaw in the refrigerator, and shake well before using.
Butter

Store in its original container. Thaw in the refrigerator to use.
Bananas

Freeze in peel. Then, simply thaw and peel to use in smoothies and breads. Note: the peel will turn black, but that won't effect the quality of the banana at all.
Celery

Wash and chop to desired size. Then, flash freeze on a tray, and transfer to a freezer bag or another air-tight container. To use: add the frozen celery directly to soups or other heated dishes.
Tomatoes

Wash thoroughly. Then, freeze whole and unpeeled on a tray. Transfer to freezer bags once fully frozen.


Fresh Herbs

Chop finely. Then, place in an ice cube tray along with a small amount of water. To use: simply drop frozen cubes directly into heated dishes.

Did You Know? Herbs aren't the only thing that you can freeze in an ice cube tray: More Clever Uses for Ice Cube Trays
Nuts

Freeze (either in shell or shelled) in a freezer bag or another air-tight container.
Zucchini and Other Squash

Wash and chop to desired size. Then, blanch for three minutes; allow to cool; and freeze in an air-tight container.
Apples

Freeze whole or chopped, peeled or unpeeled
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Cranberry Date Breakfast Bars

Servings: Provides 3 dozen bars

6 ounces dried cranberries
8 ounces chopped dates
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all purpose flour
2 cups oats old fashioned
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup margarine
1 cup powdered sugar optional
1 -2 tablespoons orange juice optional
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract


Preparation:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
In a saucepan over low heat, simmer cranberries, dates and water, stirring constantly. Simmer until all water is absorbed; remove from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla; set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir in butter or margarine until well blended.

Spread half of the flour mixture into ungreased 9 x 13-inch pan; bake in oven for 8 minutes.

Remove from oven and spoon cranberry/date mixture over crust; sprinkle with remaining flour mixture, pat gently.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned; cool.

Optional: Combine powdered sugar, vanilla and orange juice to make a frosting. Drizzle over cereal bars.

Servings: Provides 3 dozen bars

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Oat choc pecan breakfast bar

serves 24 prep time 10min cook time 30 min

1 cup softened butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup oats quick cooking
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup wheat germ toasted
4 eggs
2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips


Directions:
In a bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Combine oats, flours and wheat germ; gradually add to creamed mixture. Press into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. In a small bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Stir in pecans, coconut and chocolate chips. Spread evenly over crust.
Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: about 2 dozen.