Is it worth both my time & money to find & do this?

Those are questions that haunt me.  I am constantly thinking.....can I do this cheaper at home?  Will it be worth the effort?  I enjoy the comforts of home.   I enjoy being home with the kids.  I detest going to the grocery store.  I don't mind walking the aisles browsing.  I usually find someone  to chat with for a few minutes.  I enjoy looking around to see what is new on the shelves.  I hate the check-out line.  I hate waiting to pay.  I hate paying.  I always think...this is ridiculous.  Why didn't I find more coupons?  Could this be on sale elsewhere?  Maybe I should have price-matched more?  I also hate getting it all out of the car and sorting into the pantry and refrigerator.

Recently, I started buying instant oatmeal for my children again.  I use the word "children" loosely here.  They are teenagers and they love the Quaker Dinosaur Egg Oatmeal.   They will eat it at every meal if given the option.  The average price for a box  is approximately $2.50.  That was the sale price back in December at Tom Thumb.  Santa Claus left them a box in their stockings this year!!!!  It can be difficult to find.  It is never EVER at Wal-Mart or Target.  I have wasted all kinds of time driving across town trying to find it. When I do find the stuff I always purchase at least 3 boxes.

I tried making this over the weekend.  Over-all, it isn't too bad.   I liked it.  Isn't that enough?   I would like to find a way to make the tiny dinosaur candy eggs.  That would make me both awesome...and amazing.  (There might be some tiny dinosaurs at the mall candy store??) That idea needs to be googled.

would these work?

INSTANT OATMEAL MIX
6 cups oatmeal....    (I think I will pre-toast this stuff on broil the next time I make it.)
1 1/3 cup dry milk
1 cup dried apples, chop them into tiny pieces..(or any type of dried fruit.)
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, or  cloves

Combine all that and store in a dry container.

To serve:  ReShake the container

1/2 cup mix & 1/2 cup water.....microwave 45 seconds.  Stir.  Eat.
or boil the water on stove...add the oatmeal and cook for a minute.  You decide what it best here.
It was kinda thick in the microwave.  The boy-child didn't like the texture.  (He is THAT kind of kid.)
But again, I liked it.    I think a little bit of extra water might be good for the microwave...maybe a Tablespoon or two.

*Rinse the bowl out well.  The bowl residue really becomes glue-like if left waiting on the dish-washer to arrive and do chores.  (yes, learn from my mistakes.....the maid doesn't work here anymore.)

*note...I didn't have the quick cooking oatmeal.  I had the other kind.  I just ran it through the micro-chopper for a few seconds.    I also didn't add the dried fruit.  I am going to add that  after I cook it.

This made a ton.  It was way cheaper than the box stuff.  I liked it and I didn't have to leave the house to find any ingredients.   Score!  Or maybe I am "WINNING!" ??????