Windows EIGHT

A few post back, I had asked some of my readers their opinion on what would be best to purchase for my personal computer. Either a tablet or a net book. Most recommend a tablet or Ipad but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted a normal key board. I do alot of typing.

I had a net book and loved it until I dropped it, so I went with a net book again since I mainly want to use it to take on vacations so I can load photos, look at emails, search the Internet, and blog. ok, well thats all I do anyways on my laptop and desktop but I like having a keyboard for all that jazz.

Anyway, little did I know I would have another choice. Windows 7 or Windows 8?
I went the little more expensive route and choose the Windows 8. I was aware it would be different and confusing since all the feed back it gets is negative. I figured this is what everything is coming to and I like a challenge anyway, so... Here I am....on my desk top. Ha ha.

I turned on the little net book last night and played around with it for about an hour and WHOA, It was really different! Colorful though, don't ya think?

The desktop looks nothing like I've seen the past 20 years. It works alot like Ipads and tablet. You load apps from the Windows store and they appear here. There is not a start screen.
This is mostly made for touch screen computers which my new little net book does not have touch screen therefore making it a little more challenging. I can get through this! If I cant, there is actually an app that takes me to a desktop that looks familiar but I'm gonna try and use the app version first.

There are alot of videos and sites that explain how to use Windows 8 and Ive been exploring. Here are a couple. Check them out.

http://www.gcflearnfree.org/windows8  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcoYTpSpME8

I think I will like it once I get used to it. It takes me to a whole new world of computers other than what I'm used to. I will take if for a spin this weekend. First I have to find a blogger app. Wish me luck.

Homemade Granola Bars

Ive been trying really hard not to make alot of sweets and keep my snacks more healthy. That's why I decided to make some granola bars.
A while back I attempted this and it was a complete fail. We literally ate it out of a jar with a spoon.

I decided to try in again with a different recipe I found at fivelittlechefs.com. It took me two tries to get it right even though this recipe is really easy. I'm thinking its all about cooking the glaze just right so it will stiffen some and making sure the granola is pressed really tight to hold it together.

First I gathered up all my Ingredients. I change them up a little bit from the original recipe I used but not much, for hers was perfect.

In a large bowl, combine:

2 cups quick oats

1 cup Rice Crispy cereal

3 Tablespoons wheat germ

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup Craisins (3 small boxes)

1/4 cup chopped pecans

In a saucepan:

melt 1/4 cup butter

add: 1/2 cup honey

1/3 cup dark brown sugar

Bring to a boil, reduce heat

add, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and cook for 2 minutes*.

Pour over dry mixture and toss until coated.

Pour granola into a parchment lined 9x13 pan and press really firm*.

put in refrigerator for 30 minutes then cut into squares or bars.

Ready to eat.

*Make sure you cook it for 2 minutes after the boil! Also make sure you press it really firm.

These to instructions are crucial.

I missed doing these two parts and this is what it turned out like....

YIKES! Just fell apart and made a big mess. I put it in a bowl and will have to just scoop it out.

(deja vu).

My second batch did better.

I added some mini chocolate chips on top before placing them in the refrigerator.



I kept some for myself for morning snacks and sent the rest to my daughter in college.

You can add all kinds of different things to fit your taste. I liked the Craisins better than raisins

and added nuts.

oh....and chocolate. :)

Ive shared this at:

kitchenfunwithmy3sons fun-and-crafty-friday

creatively-tuesday at therusticpig

wednesdays-adorned-from-above-blog-hop