Friday, November 30, 2012

November Wrap-Up


Can you believe November is over already? What has happened to this year?

At the beginning of the month I came up with a photo-a-day challenge for November.
 I used my phone camera & I edited with instagram (You're welcome to follow me if you'd like) to make things easy. If you've been following me on Facebook, you've likely already seen some of them.

  Here's this month's photo-a-day recap:



I would love for you to join me for December's challenge! It's full of Christmasy goodness. :) 

Thanks for reading. If you like what you see here on Silver Boxes, I'd love it if you would become a follower on Google Friend Connect, subscribe by email (sign up on the right sidebar), 
or follow along on FacebookPinterest, or Twitter
And please leave a comment when you do so I know who my new friends are! :)


Here's to a great December!



Wednesday, November 28, 2012

December Photo Challenge

Monthly photo challenges are a lot of fun & they sure make me think about ideas & objects in a creative way.

This month since Christmas is coming, I made my list centred around all things Christmasy. Enjoy!

Follow me on Instagram to see my daily photo. Let me know if you're taking the challenge - I'd love to see your photos too! I'll be using the hashtag #SBphotochallenge. Please join me & we can share our photos with one another!




Thanks for reading. If you like what you see here on Silver Boxes, I'd love it if you would become a follower on Google Friend Connect, subscribe by email (sign up on the right sidebar), 
or follow along on FacebookPinterest, or Twitter
And please leave a comment when you do so I know who my new friends are! :)


Here's to a great December!



Monday, November 26, 2012

Christmas Crafts & Recipes Of The Past...


Now that American Thanksgiving is over, I know a lot of you are looking for Christmas ideas & recipes to get started on. I know I'm always keeping my eyes peeled for new ideas! 

Since many of you have followed along since last December (Thank you!), today I'm doing a run-down of my favourite crafts, recipes, & projects from last Christmas.

Let's start with some fun crafts...



I still need to make one of these babies for myself! I made a few last year & sold them all. Must. Keep. One. :)



These little trees were so fun to discover as I pulled them out again this year. They're a fun part of our decor.




Possibly my favourite Christmas craft ever! I have these arranged on a wreath this year with some twinkle lights.
Let Heaven & nature sing...


Light Bulb Snowmen (with photo tutorial!)


Our kids get such a kick out of these snowmen every year. 
They love that they have one that is personalized & belongs to each one of us.




These sparkly cones are filling a metal lantern in my front entryway this year.


Now on to recipes...

Classic Sugar Cookies (No rolling or cutting needed!)



Merry Berry Cheese Bars (Cranberry Cheesecake Bars)






Almost Instant Buckeyes (Another fast one!)






Cards, tags, & gift card holders...




Use your Cricut or Silhouette to cut out some cute shapes, attach string & create your own gift tags!





Make your own simple gift card holder for those hard to buy for people.





Create a few custom made Christmas cards for your friends & family with these ideas.


Those are just my favourites! I hope you found some inspiration here.


Thanks for reading. If you like what you see here on Silver Boxes, I'd love it if you would become a follower on Google Friend Connect, subscribe by email (sign up on the right sidebar), 
or follow along on FacebookPinterestInstagram, or Twitter
And please leave a comment when you do so I know who my new friends are! :)


Enjoy your day!



Friday, November 23, 2012

Fast & Easy Stamped Snowflake Card


Do you make your own Christmas cards? Some years I do, & others I don't. I haven't for the past few years, but this year I made some for the craft fairs I've been doing.

Here's a super fast & easy card that is also beautiful!

I picked up these snowflake stamps in the dollar bins at Michaels a few weeks ago. A couple of inks, some bling, & a sentiment & wham bam - done! Just be sure to give time for the white ink, the liquid pearls, & the stickles to dry. :)



Products used: 

Cardstock: Bazill Basics
Snowflake Stamps: Michaels
Ink: Stampin' Up! (Not Quite Navy) & Color Box (White)
Sentiment Stamp: My Mind's Eye
Liquid Pearls
Silver Stickles



Thanks for reading. If you like what you see here on Silver Boxes, I'd love it if you would become a follower on Google Friend Connect, subscribe by email (sign up on the right sidebar), 
or follow along on FacebookPinterestInstagram, or Twitter
And please leave a comment when you do so I know who my new friends are! :)


Enjoy your day!




Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Cinnamon Mocha Mix

Raise your hand if you like to make homemade Christmas gifts for friends, neighbours, teachers, & co-workers.

Now, raise your hand if you don't have a ton of time to spend on said gifts.

I hear ya.

This Cinnamon Mocha Mix is so easy to put together, you'll have your gifts done in a flash! Oh, and it's delicious too! Try some before you package it up. And try to remember to share. :)

It's really cute packaged in small jars or in a ziplock bag inside a decorated paper bag. Just be sure to include the serving instructions. Two cups of mix is a good gift-giving size.


Cinnamon Mocha Mix
makes about 14 cups

2 cups dry coffee creamer
2 cups dry chocolate mix - the kind used to make chocolate milk. I used was Nesquik.
2 cups confectioner's sugar
6 cups non fat dry milk powder
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 cup instant coffee granules
2 tsp. ground cinnamon

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Store in airtight container or divide into smaller portions for gifts. Be sure to include the serving instructions if you're giving it away. :)

To Serve: Pour 6 ounces hot water over 2 1/2 heaping tablespoons mocha mix; stir & serve. 




If you're looking for more food gift ideas, also check out the recipe for Cajun-Spiced Snack Mix that I've made for years!

Thanks for reading. If you like what you see here on Silver Boxes, I'd love it if you would become a follower on Google Friend Connect, subscribe by email (sign up on the right sidebar), 
or follow along on FacebookPinterestInstagram, or Twitter
And please leave a comment when you do so I know who my new friends are! :)


Enjoy your day!



Sweet Anne Designs - Sweet Sharing Monday

Monday, November 19, 2012

50 Stocking Stuffers For Teenage Girls


Happy Monday, friends!

Thank you all for the overwhelming response to my 50 Stocking Stuffers For Teenage Boys post last week!
I'm so  happy to be able to help you out in your Christmas shopping!

I'm going to start off this week with another stocking stuffer list - this time it's for teen girls.

I find girls so much easier to shop for - perhaps it's because I am one? ;)
Even if you have some ideas for the teen girls in your life, maybe this list will give you a few you hadn't thought of.



  1. Magazine
  2. Journal
  3. Pen
  4. Makeup
  5. Makeup brushes
  6. Nail polish
  7. Nail files or other manicure supplies
  8. Bubble bath
  9. Shower gel
  10. Lotion
  11. Book
  12. Jewelry – earrings, bracelet, necklace, etc.
  13. Earbuds
  14. iTunes card
  15. Sunglasses
  16. Wallet
  17. Compact mirror
  18. Headband or other hair accessories
  19. Tights or socks
  20. Phone case
  21. Locker mirror or other locker accessories
  22. Knit hat
  23. Mittens or gloves
  24. Scarf
  25. DVD
  26. CD
  27. Perfume or body spray
  28. USB flash drive
  29. Watch
  30. Card game
  31. Picture frame
  32. Hobby/craft supplies
  33. Coin purse
  34. Key chain
  35. Belt
  36. Cosmetics bag
  37. Chocolate, candy, or gum
  38. Christmas tree ornament
  39. T-shirt
  40. Lip balm
  41. Scented candle
  42. Concert tickets
  43. Movie tickets
  44. Coffee card (Starbucks, anyone?)
  45. Deep conditioner for hair
  46. Calendar
  47. Hot chocolate packets
  48. Mug
  49. Moisturizing hand sanitizer
  50. Stationary

     If you have any more ideas, please feel free to leave comments so we can all help one another out!

    Thanks for reading. If you like what you see here on Silver Boxes, I'd love it if you would become a follower on Google Friend Connect, subscribe by email (sign up on the right sidebar), 
    or follow along on FacebookPinterestInstagram, or Twitter
    And please leave a comment when you do so I know who my new friends are! :)


    Enjoy your day!


Friday, November 16, 2012

An UNtraditional Christmas Card


In decorating & getting ready for Christmas, do you gravitate more towards the traditional red & green colour scheme or do you like to shake it up a bit & try something new every year or every few years? 

This year, in my Christmas card making, I decided to "shake it up a little" & try something completely UNtraditional! 

Bright, summery colours used in a Christmasy way was my starting point. And I love how these cards turned out!



Products used:

Cardstock - Michaels, Stampin' Up!, & American Crafts
Stamps - Stampin' Up! (ornament hanger) & My Mind's Eye (sentiment)
Circle Punch - Stampin' Up!
Glitter - Stickles

So, go ahead - I dare you! :) 
Try some untraditional colours this year & see if you don't just love the result!

Thanks for reading. If you like what you see here on Silver Boxes, I'd love it if you would become a follower on Google Friend Connect, subscribe by email (sign up on the right sidebar), 
or follow along on FacebookPinterestInstagram, or Twitter
And please leave a comment when you do so I know who my new friends are! :)


Enjoy your day!


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Double Banana Bread


Am I the only one who ends up with loads of rotten bananas in my freezer every few months? You wanna know what my go-to recipe is when that happens? This is it!

It's so full of banana flavour, I'm sure you'll love it too!


Double Banana Bread
makes 1 loaf or 4 mini loaves

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 1/3 cup mashed, overripe bananas (7-8 bananas)

Preheat oven to 350º F. Spray 9x5 loaf pan with non-stick spray.

In a large bowl, combine flour, soda, & salt. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, cream together butter & sugar. Stir in eggs & mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 60-65 minutes (less for mini loaves - about 35 minutes), until a toothpick inserted into centre of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.


Come on & make some - you know you want to! ;)


Thanks for reading. If you like what you see here on Silver Boxes, I'd love it if you would become a follower on Google Friend Connect, subscribe by email (sign up on the right sidebar), 
or follow along on FacebookPinterestInstagram, or Twitter
And please leave a comment when you do so I know who my new friends are! :)


Enjoy your day!


Monday, November 12, 2012

50 Stocking Stuffers For Teenage Boys

  
  I like to get my Christmas shopping done early. Do you too? Last month, I was trying to think of stocking stuffers for my teenage nephew & niece. I looked for a little help from Google, but other than a couple small lists, there really wasn't much help. After taking what little help I found, remembering back to my teenage days, & just making some lists over a couple of days, I came up with 50 stocking stuffer ideas for both teenage guys & teenage girls. I hope these are of help to you.

  If you have any more ideas, please feel free to leave comments so we can all help one another out! 

  This week, we'll start with the ideas for teen boys.

  1. Magazine
  2. Book
  3. Small Nerf gun
  4. flashlight
  5. Small Tools
  6. Shaving cream
  7. Razors
  8. Earbuds
  9. Socks
  10. Sunglasses
  11. Tie
  12. iTunes card
  13. T-shirt
  14. Cologne or body spray
  15. Wallet
  16. Men's hair products – shampoo, hair gel, paste, etc.
  17. Phone case
  18. Gloves
  19. DVD
  20. CD
  21. USB flash drive
  22. Watch
  23. Card game or playing cards
  24. Key chain
  25. Belt
  26. Chocolate, candy, or gum
  27. Lip balm
  28. Concert tickets
  29. Movie tickets
  30. Coffee card (Starbucks, anyone?)
  31. Calendar
  32. Hot chocolate packets
  33. Mug
  34. Guitar picks or strings for a guitar player, drum sticks for a drummer
  35. Small sports things – golf balls, tees, tennis balls, ski goggles, etc.
  36. Favourite sports team gear
  37. Tickets to the game
  38. Cap or knit hat
  39. Small alarm clock
  40. Video game
  41. Christmas tree ornament
  42. Body wash
  43. Room freshener - or perhaps this is more for mom? ;)
  44. Pen
  45. A small package of their favourite snack
  46. Woopie cushion or other practical joke
  47. Magic tricks
  48. Pocket knife
  49. Sports poster
  50. Car accessories, if they own a car

    Don't forget to check out my 50 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Teenage Girls!


    Thanks for reading. If you like what you see here on Silver Boxes, I'd love it if you would become a follower on Google Friend Connect, subscribe by email (sign up on the right sidebar), 
    or follow along on FacebookPinterest, Instagram, or Twitter
    And please leave a comment when you do so I know who my new friends are! :)


    Enjoy your day!



            Featured mop it up mondays feature

Friday, November 09, 2012

Chocolate Chip Candy Cookies

  
  Do you still have Halloween candy kickin' around? Ya, we do too. :) This week, with permission from our kids, I harvested all the boxes of Smarties (similar to original M&M's for you Americans) they had & made cookies with them. Our kids were pretty excited to help out & be able to contribute one of the yummy ingredients! 

  I promise you'll like these chewy, gooey, chocolatey cookies!



Chocolate Chip Candy Cookies
makes 2 dozen

3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 egg
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup Smarties or M&M's

Preheat oven to 350º F.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together butter & sugars until fluffy & light in color. Add egg & vanilla & blend in.

Mix in dry ingredients & chocolate chips. Slowly stir in candies. 

Using a tablespoon, drop dough onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until just lightly browned. 

Let cool, on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a cooling rack to cool completely.




Pour yourself a glass of milk & enjoy a couple. :)

Thanks for reading. If you like what you see here on Silver Boxes, I'd love it if you would become a follower on Google Friend Connect, subscribe by email (sign up on the right sidebar), 
or follow along on FacebookPinterest, or Twitter
And please leave a comment when you do so I know who my new friends are! :)


Enjoy your day!



and at:
Cookies 2012

This recipe featured on: