For those of you who thought maybe the Instructables site was good for nothing but a silly spreadsheet, this morning they have a handy guide for making your own "instant" oatmeal packets, saving oodles of money and taking only a bit of time. The savings will be even greater if you set aside a place to save the little sandwich bags and reuse them for the same thing next time around since all the ingredients are "dry."

Most of my kids like oatmeal for breakfast, and a few of them will actually make it from scratch in the microwave. But some of them wouldn't think of measuring out their own ingredients, and eat it only when they can open up their own personal packet and pour it right in the bowl. Yikes, have you ever measured how much is IN one of those packets? Barely enough for a newborn serving, yes? Well, this way you can determine the optimum serving for your kids and dole it out in exactly the right amounts. And you can add the spices, dried fruits, etc. that you know will draw them right to that steamy bowl on a cold morning!

Mmmm....sounds good. If I weren't bedridden with a very annoying virus and fever for the third day in a row, I'd be up making myself some right this minute :-/ Anyway, put on your hat and gloves and hike over to Instructables and find out what other ideas they're sharing!