Shadow Box Memories

Most memory boxes that I have seen on the internet are exactly that, boxes.  I wanted a box that I could see all of the items I have saved over the years to remind me of those memories.  What's the point of saving items if you are going to just throw it in a box and never look at it again? 

I purchased a shadow box from Michaels with a glass front and figured it would be a great way to see my memories every time I walk past it. When we all were forced to work and be home, I took time every day cleaning different places around the house.  I found a box of tickets and stubs that I was going to scrapbook, but never did and was excited to place them in my living room for all to see.  

I have years and years worth of items that I have saved.  Each ticket puts a smile on my face and warms my heart.  Just looking at each one takes me back to that time in our family history.  

I used my handy dandy Cricut to cut some vinyl to place on the glass of the shadow box, with the saying, Oh the places we've been...the things we've seen...

I placed the items in the box in no particular order, but trying to put the smaller items in the front and larger in the back.  Every single ticket, or stub, may not be seen, but at least  they aren't sitting in a closet where they are forgotten about.  Now every time I walk into my living room I get to be reminded of all of the fun things we have done over the years, and even spark conversations with the kids and friends that come over and see the box.  The great thing about these shadowboxes is that they come in all different sizes and they are a great width to places several items in.  Boxes don't have to just be stubs and tickets; shirts, shot glasses, anything you pick up while on your travels could possibly be put in.  I hope that you enjoy this item and try it out as well. Happy Memories!

Kid Approved Tasty Snack

I love when I come across recipes that are simple, delicious, good for you, and especially kid approved!  I go through phases where I eat super healthy, and then eat whatever I feel like.  When I decide to eat healthy, I bring the entire family along for the ride as well.  Sometimes the kids try to put up a fight, but once they've tried whatever I've made they love it!  

My kids will tell me they hate something I make, even if they haven't tried it.  They will be grossed out by one ingredient, and assume that the entire dish is disgusting.  When they were little they would eat everything and anything before they had an opinion, wow, I miss those days.  

One day I was looking around for a healthy snack that would be simple enough for the kids could make, healthy enough for us all to eat, and delicious enough for us all to enjoy.  I came across an oatmeal ball that only had 5 ingredients, all of which I already had in the house.  Win win!!  The great part of this recipe is that it has simple, yet good for you ingredients, and as long as nobody has any allergies, you have a healthy snack! 

What you'll need:

2 cups Oats

1 cup Peanut Butter

1/2 cup Honey

1 tsp. vanilla

pinch of salt

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (you could substitute other treats such as M&M's, Heath, the sky's the limit)

My little guy wanted to make them all by himself this time, so I let him have at it.  I feel that a child that has say and participation in the things they do, they are more likely to enjoy what they are doing.

Once all of the ingredients are mixed together well with a spoon, he used a cookie baller and placed them on a sheet of wax paper so that they don't stick.  After they are all rolled, place in the refrigerator to set for about 20 minutes, then enjoy.  

You can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, but ours never make it that long. These are a great healthy treat to take on car rides as well.  If you have any quick and easy healthy treats, I would love for you to share them with me. 

Enjoy!