This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #Back2SchoolStockUp #CollectiveBias
Study Snack Mix – Classic trail mix with a fun, kid-friendly addition.This is a bit different of a post than you might be accustomed to. There is still a recipe though, so no worries there. But an extremely long one…I’ll just insert pictures here and there to break it up for you.
Before I starting writing here full time, in a previous life I was in education. Back in college, I was a teaching assistant, helping with freshman courses, then I was in special education at the middle school level. Loving the classroom, but hating that I was teaching math. Then we moved to Logan and I went back to school and became a licensed teacher in history and English at the secondary level.
Logan is saturated with teachers. It’s also the place where teachers are paid the lowest wage in the ENTIRE nation based on a new report I recently read. While I was in school, I was also working at Borders Books and Cafe (moment of silence please). Oh the books…Ever since 4th grade when a friend challenged me to start reading the books that she had just finished so we could talk about them, did I become interested in reading. You see, I had trouble reading, every day I was excused from my elementary class and sent to the resource classroom. In 6th grade, I moved schools and was sent to the 4th grade classroom for reading. This was worse on every level than going to the resource classroom. My 6th grade pride did not like being made fun of for my reading skills by 4th graders. 6th grade is also when world history was taught and I absolutely fell in love with the ancient world; the pyramids of Egypt and the legend of King Tut’s Tomb curse or the well-presevered remains of Pompeii after Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE. I LOVED reading my history text book and I also missed my friend Melissa from my old school whom I had my first book club with.
I became determined to get out of 4th grade reading. I started devouring books, I checked out the maximum amount from the library, started reading everything I could get my hands on at home–which was not good stuff. No 11 year old should be reading romance novels or Steven King…It is Steven King’s fault that I developed a fear of clowns that has lasted until this day. But I read it all. Within a month or two, I asked to be tested and was. I moved up to 5th grade reading class. I continue to read and read and asked to be tested again, so I was. I managed to test at a 6th grade level…But there was no room for me back in my OWN classroom, the 6th grade classroom for reading. I had to stay in the 5th class for the remainder of the year. I was heart-broken and equally fearful that I would have to start junior high in a lower reading class since I wasn’t reading in my own grade; therefore I continued to read as much as I could.
You might be wondering why in the world I am sharing all of this with you. I wanted to illustrated how important reading is in my life. I probably have over 1000 books in my own home (thanks to my employee discount from my time at Borders). I started buying books for my future children (I wanted more then one back then) when I was 18 years old, so when Elizabeth came around, she already had a full library, at least a couple hundred in her room now and a couple hundred more chapter books in storage, waiting.
When I learned that various Kellogg’s products sold at Sam’s Club were offering two Scholastic books, for free, I got on board. I mean I love books and I love FREE. My daughter is lucky in that she has access to books at home. But not everyone does. I didn’t really when I was a kid. These specially marked Kellogg’s items at Sam’s Club come with a code that is redeemed online. One book is sent to you, your child, or whomever you wish–you can even donate it to a school if there are no children in your life and the second one is automatically sent to a local school in need in your area. This is as good as it gets folks. I just couldn’t resist being part of something as awesome as this.But of course, I have to make a recipe, because that’s what I do, so I made something so simple you probably already know how to do it yourself. Trail Mix.
Trail mix is HUGE in my life. Here’s another part of my education story. I was NEVER a good student. I barely graduated high school with a 2.0. I would try and just not succeed. I graduated in the early 90’s. (Yes I’m old).I went to college after high school and did poorly there. In fact, something I have shared with very few, I was kicked out of college for poor grades. I couldn’t keep my GPA at a 2.0. I had been on probation for a year, and was finally dismissed as I went to serve a mission for my former religion at age 21. College required I take a year off before I could reapply, and I was leaving for 18 months. When I returned to school after my mission, same story, despite how hard I studied, I couldn’t maintain a 2.0 GPA. The school was about to dismiss me again when I moved to UtahMy whole life I heard how lazy I was. If I would just try harder. If I would just stop day-dreaming so much. That I was so smart and tested so high, I just needed to apply myself. Here I was 24, still hearing the same stuff since elementary school. I wanted a degree. I wanted to finish college. I WAS trying hard and applying myself. I had no idea what the problem was.
My friend and then co-worker Scott tried convincing me to go back to school, with him. He wanted a study buddy and knew I needed college too. I thought about it. I was in therapy at the time (for that story, read the about me section of my blog, too much for here) and my therapist asked if I had ever been tested for ADD. She had me sent for testing, grueling several days worth of tests and apparently I scored off the charts. After my results and working with her on how to effectively study, I went ahead and enrolled in school with Scott. That first term, I earned a 3.9 GPA, a glaring difference from my 1.9 the last semester I was in school.One of the tips I used back then, and honestly now, was to snack while I studied. The trick is snacking on good things. I am not going to go into the reasons why I need to snack while I study other than it helps give my brain something else to do while I am studying. Trail mix has been my go-to snack. I even secured permission from my professors to snack on it during class to help my focus in class. I guess it is fair to say trail mix helped me earn my college degrees.When Elizabeth and I have reading time, we often snack on it. She loves her fruit snacks so we decided adding them to our trail mix was a good idea. She loved getting in on the action to create our new study snack mix bag. I often read the story to her, then she will read the story back to me. Then we both take some time and read to ourselves. Overcoming my issues with reading and learning has created a deep love for both activities, one I hope I am passing onto my daughter.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup peanuts
- 1/3 cup cashews
- 1/3 cup almonds
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup candy coated chocolates
- 1/3 cup shelled sunflower seeds
- 4-6 packs of Kellogg's Fruity Snacks
Instructions
-
Add all the ingredients to a zip-seal bag or large sealable container.
-
Seal.
-
Shake, shake, shake.
-
Enjoy
Below you will find step by step photographs on ordering your book. The center is where you begin and then the top-left going clockwise.My Sam’s Club had products all over the store. Lining the entry way, around the nice lady giving out samples, and in the center aisles; just be sure to check the box for the special label. If you already have your code, simply click HERE to get started.
Don’t have a Sam’s Club membership? Bring this invitation printed out to the Member Services Desk at your local Sam’s Club for a pass to shop for the day. A 10% service fee applies on all non-member purchases when shopping with this One-Day Pass (not applicable in CA, SC or Elmsford, NY). The 10% service fee does not apply if the non-member decides to join the Club at the time of purchase.”
Here’s some fun facts about this AWESOME Kellogg’s Scholastic book offer:
- You can redeem up to 30 books!
- E-books are available
- Libros en Español
- Over 80 titles from beginning readers to teens
On 8/22 and 8/23, select Sam’s Club stores will having demos, check to see if your store is on the LIST
What Kellogg’s products at Sam’s Club will help you make life a bit easier and smoother as your children transition to Back to School? Wish you all happy school year. Happy Reading.
56 Comments
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom
August 19, 2015 at 5:21 amSo fun! kids will love to study with snacks like these.
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:43 amYes and you can feel good about it too.
Melanie
August 19, 2015 at 5:42 amI always like to shop at Sam’s Club to stock up on snacks!
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:43 amThank you for stopping by Melanie.
Denise Wright
August 19, 2015 at 7:03 amMy son would adore this. School is about to start so I’ll have to whip up a batch to coax him into doing his homework.
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:44 amWhatever it takes to get the homework done and little headache for you…do it.
reesa lewandowski
August 19, 2015 at 7:21 amGreat idea to make fruit snacks a more substantial snack!
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:44 amThank you Reesa.
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life
August 19, 2015 at 8:05 amThank you for sharing that story Michelle…I think its one a lot of kids need to hear. My oldest son struggled with reading for a long time, and now he is fine…but he reads what he likes to read and that has made a big difference.
This sounds like a great snack mix…I often mix up something like this for when I’m headed out to my kids games, but what a great idea to use it for studying!
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:46 amThank you Michelle. Reading is important and it is so frustrating when it doesn’t come as easily as it seems to to one’s peers. Glad your son found something that interests him and enjoys reading now.
Lucy
August 19, 2015 at 8:58 amWe love making our own snack mix at our house. I haven’t put fruit snacks in it before but I bet my kids would love it. Adding it in next time.
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:46 amExcellent Lucy.
Florian @ContntednessCooking
August 19, 2015 at 10:22 amGreat post, thanks for sharing this, Michelle!
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:47 amThank you for stopping by Florian.
Kim @ 2justByou
August 19, 2015 at 10:34 amIt’s awesome that they offered free books! My boys really struggled with reading and WANTING to read (it just didn’t happen) until we found titles that really interested them. Scholastic has such a huge library to choose from, it makes it nice for kids to have so many options.
Great post! I’ll have to see if my local Sam’s is on the list.
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:47 amI hope your store is on the list. I love Scholastic and their selection of titles.
Diana Rambles
August 19, 2015 at 11:12 amFun snacks for back to school! Pinned!!!
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:48 amThank you Diana.
Betty
August 19, 2015 at 1:40 pmGreat story Michelle. It just goes to show you we can all over come. Your snak reciepe sounds great.
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:48 amThank you Grandma!
Stephanie Keeping
August 19, 2015 at 1:50 pmMy son loves fruit snacks! I will have to check Sams out next time.
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:49 amHope they have the 2-1 book offer at yours
lizzy
August 19, 2015 at 2:21 pmwhat a cute idea! i love making my own snack mixes and bars for the week, perfect for back to school as well!
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:49 amThanks for stopping by Lizzy.
Debra @ Bowl Me Over
August 19, 2015 at 6:26 pmLearn something new every time I read your blog, good info! Love that study snack too, looks yummy!
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:50 amThank you Debra.
Kaitie
August 19, 2015 at 7:59 pmI love this idea! Amazing and so easy to make a big batch of for road trips, after school activities… etc!
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:51 amThank you Kaitie for stopping by.
Kimberly Ann @ Bake Love Give
August 19, 2015 at 8:44 pmI, too, was a perpetual snacker when studying. I love the addition of fruit snacks, I’m totally excited to give my favorite snack mix a twist!
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:52 amIt just makes studying easier to snack through it.
Rachael
August 19, 2015 at 11:46 pmWhat a fun snack mix! And I am sure you were not as bad at college as you say.
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:54 amI truly was until I learned how to study with ADD. Then I graduated with honors, but for years it was a battle and huge blow to my self esteem because I knew I was trying hard and couldn’t figure out why things weren’t ‘sticking.’ But all is well now.
Hirra Pervaiz
August 20, 2015 at 12:44 amLove snack mix! and this one is so fun. For a person like me who likes munching something while working. For kids its great too but I think I’ll be making this for myself 🙂
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:54 amI like your style Hirra.
Carrie @huppiemama
August 20, 2015 at 4:23 amThank you so much for sharing your personal story with your readers. As a special education teacher myself, I’m so glad you were able to get the help you need to be successful in school! This trail mix idea is great! #client
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 9:57 amThank you Carrie. I am grateful for a good many teachers I’ve had throughout the years.
Barb
August 20, 2015 at 6:29 amWhat a fun mix. A little sweet and a little salty!
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 10:05 amSweet n’ Salty is my favorite.
Monique @ Ambitious Kitchen
August 20, 2015 at 7:45 amLove snack mixes – I always forget how good they are with the right ingredients.
Michelle
August 20, 2015 at 10:07 amThe right ingredients is the key.
Sandi Gaertner (@sandigtweets)
August 20, 2015 at 10:11 pmI know I mentioned this to you earlier, but your story really moved me to tears. It is so beautiful for you to share your story. You are an inspiration!
Michelle
August 21, 2015 at 12:44 amThank you Sandi! I appreciate your words.
Emily
August 20, 2015 at 10:22 pmThis is such a clever way to use gummy snacks! They do seem perfect for trail mix!
Michelle
August 21, 2015 at 12:44 amThey really are.
jamie
August 21, 2015 at 10:11 amI think I need a snack break right now!
Michelle
August 23, 2015 at 1:29 amME too.
Jamie @ Coffee With Us 3
August 22, 2015 at 3:55 pmI was quite the bookworm growing up, and I guess I still am. My kids, too, have a plethora of books. And I’m so excited that my oldest (almost 6) is LOVING reading! The other 2 love to be read to, but I love watching my oldest read the labels and signs on everything, because I remember doing the same thing!
It’s fabulous that Kellogg’s is offering free books! I’ll have to keep an eye out for those boxes– because you can never have too many books!
Michelle
August 23, 2015 at 1:33 amI hope mine will love to read…once she learns. And I agree, you can NEVER have too many books.
christine
August 23, 2015 at 7:30 amGreat idea to make your own snack mix. We like doing that too. Plus my kids are mildly obsessed w/ fruit snacks so this would be good for them.
Michelle
August 23, 2015 at 11:53 amI think mild-obsession is completely normal in the young ones…or so I tell myself to make me feel better about my daughter’s own obsession.
Ashleigh
August 24, 2015 at 10:54 amGreat idea for those quick snacks that we so often are looking around the kitchen for! I love trail mix and recently found that dark chocolate covered superfruits (you can buy them at CostCo) are quite good too! 🙂
Michelle
August 24, 2015 at 11:41 amThanks Ashleigh, Sam’s Club has the dark chocolate covered fruits too. I am addicted.
Joy @ Joy Love FOod
August 24, 2015 at 1:03 pmWhat a great mix, my kids would love this!
Michelle
August 24, 2015 at 1:56 pmThank you Joy.
Matt @ Plating Pixels
August 25, 2015 at 1:08 amGreat mix! That would keep me going for sure.
Michelle
August 25, 2015 at 8:35 amIt’s an easy and tasty snack.