Enough Already...This is Why I Blog

If my world isn't crazy enough as it is, I decided to throw blogging into the mix. So why would I do such a thing? Many reasons, really...like...

1. Creative Outlet--So originally, I started it because I needed an avenue to express my creativity. I'm a creative person by nature and my marketing position wasn't full-filling that outlet. I started reading other blogs and got addicted. At one point I was reading about 25 blogs a day--all on various different topics--from crafts, decorating, fitness, tech, food...you name it, I was reading it! One day, I shared a blog post with a friend and she encouraged me to start one. I shrugged it off! And then, got the nerve up to do it and, well...as they say, the rest is history!

2. Learn New Things--When I started reading blogs, I learned so much. I started doing some of the things that I was learning on the blogs. Then I started sharing on Facebook and with my friends...well, when I decided to give this blog thing a try, I was amazed at all the cool things I learned how to do. It's crazy to think that I was able to do so much just by trying it!

3. Meet Fabulous People--So, I wasn't expecting this outcome while blogging, but it happened. You start leaving comments and sharing other bloggers work and you make friends--just like in the real world. You build virtual friendships and get comfortable asking for help, input and opinions. I've met some seriously amazing people since I've started blogging--just can't wait to meet them in person!

4. Giveaways--As a blog reader, I was always amazed on all the free stuff bloggers received and gave away. I thought you had to blog for years and have a huge following before receiving this stuff. I was surprised how quickly I received offers to test products or do give-aways. What fun, not only for me but my followers.

5. Inspire Others--I have really enjoyed receiving comments from readers who enjoyed a project or a recipe. Knowing that I inspire others to create, whether in the craft room or in the kitchen, makes me smile. I don't get paid to blog, so knowing I have an impact on someone's life is all I need.

If you've sat on the sidelines wondering if you should start your own blog, I will throw this back at you-- WHY NOT!?! What is there to lose? There is so much to gain. It's easy to get started and the perfect place to start is with Web Hosting Hub. The Hub has the best of everything to get you online faster. Great support, money back guarantee, and lots of tools to build your website.

When you decide to join the blogging world, let me know--I will start following you! Until then, thanks for visiting me today!

Fun Friday Blog Hop!!

I am so thrilled to be part of this Blog Hop this week!
Here is your chance to follow other amazing bloggers!

 

 

 

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HOSTS:

    Meet our lovely Co-Hosts for this week:     

First of all, thank you for joining us every week. 

Please follow the hosts and the co-hosts, there are many ways to follow us.

(GFC, Bloglovin, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, Email) 

Grab our party button and share the love. It's not required but it's greatly appreciated :)

Please leave a comment with your blog address if you are a new follower, we'll be glad to return the favor.

Every week we will choose one featured blogger. 

The chosen one will get a FREE one month ad space from 

The Pink Momma and Home for 4 Sweet Home.

Congratulations to our Featured Blogger of the Week! 

Britiany of Military and Pearls

 
Grab the featured button and share the love :)

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Link up your blog, visit other blogs, make friends and have fun!

If you would like to be a co-host, email at thepinkmommablog@yahoo.com.

Wahoo!! Crazylou is 1!

Whether you are new here or have been with me all along, I am giving you a big virtual hug today! I am celebrating my one year writing this blog called Crazylou! Thank you so much for sticking with me and supporting me along the way. This blog is a hobby of mine, something I do in my spare time. I love it. It's my creative outlet and way to connect with other creative people. It's been a whirlwind year. I have so many dreams and visions for this blog and I can't wait for them to be realized.

I am working on a birthday surprise for you, but it's not quite perfect yet! BUT...I still have a surprise for you on Monday, so be sure you come back bright and early---this is something you don't want to miss. Seriously.

Happy Birthday to Crazylou! Go out and have a cupcake to celebrate!

Happy Friday! It's a Huge Giveaway!

I'm participating in a HUGE Giveaway over at Peacoats and Plaid. Up for grabs... over $150 in prizes!

Get on over to her blog and enter!

$20 design credit to NBD from Noor's Place
Sequoia Pouch-Moroccan Escapade ($12 value) from Chamel's Creations
Blog Design ($60 value) from Aree With Umbrella
$5 Starbuck's gift card and large ad space ($5 value) from The Domestic Geek
$10 Posh Lane gift card from The Southern Thing
$10 Michael's gift card from Crazy Lou Creations
$25 credit to Making Life Whimsical from Making Life Whimsical
$10 Starbuck's gift card from Wannabe Green

There has to be a winner...it could be you!

Better Way to Read Your Favorite Blogs

Hello! How's today going for ya?

Before I started my own blog, I was a HUGE blog reader. Still am. It takes a lot of time to visit bookmarks of blogs or if you've mastered Google Reader, you can simply look at your list and scan through which blogs you want to visit today. However, Google Reader is going away on July 1st.  This means that bloggers, like me, that rely on this service to give you a heads up on my blog posts need to find an alternative. It also means that readers, like you, have to find an alternative, too.

I've got the solution for you! You may have noticed the new addition to my side bar a few months ago. Today, if you haven't already, I need you to click on it and subscribe to follow my blog that way! (please, and thank you!)

Once you click on the button, you will be prompted to sign up for BlogLovin'. They make it real easy for you--you can sign up through Facebook or email. Choose whichever one strikes your fancy!

As soon as you’ve created an account you can search for and follow your favorite blogs (like Crazylou), categorize them however you like and read all unread posts either by date posted, category or blog name.

Another cool thing with Bloglovin’ is that viewers can comment on posts directly since they’re already seeing the post from the blog. No more having to click through from a reader to comment.

You can also choose to get a daily email with all your blogs listed. This is a great feature to keep updated on all those fantastic posts! If you follow many blogs on Google Reader, click over here to get the scoop on how to transfer them over to BlogLovin'.

Any questions, just ask!
 

Butterfly Canvas Art

I've been a "blog stalker" for about two years now. I love reading and being inspired by so many talented people. I love their creativity and how they express it. It's because of them that I started my own blog. This is my outlet. I'm starved for creativity at work, so in my spare time--that's what I do--create.
This project has been one of my all time favorites! It was inspired by this blog, who was inspired by this blog ...who probably inspired many other people, too! It was fun, easy and enjoyable for Hailey and I to do together. We added our own touch to it but putting a quote on it that we felt was fitting.
Here is our version of the Butterfly Canvas:

Butterfly Canvas by crazylou

Supplies needed:

Canvas (ours was 8x10)
Craft paint (any color)
Paper punch--we followed the butterfly theme, but you could do hearts or anything, really!
Watercolors & paint brush
Hot Glue Gun
Optional: Cricut paper cutting machine for quote (or stickers)

Pick the color of the paint that you would like your canvas to be. We wanted ours to be a lime green color. Have kids paint the canvas in even layers. Let dry. Meanwhile, the kids can watercolor the paper, painting with or without a pattern. Less water makes for brighter colors. Let dry. Punch out as many butterflies as you can or that you think you may need. This was fun for the kids! Now, begin hot gluing. This is recommended to be done by the adults unless you have a low temp glue gun. Arrange your butterflies on the canvas. We chose to do ours on an angle, as if they were flying off the canvas. Next, we decided to add a quote that we like. This is optional. I used my Cricut Cutting machine to cut out the letters and then Modge Podge them on the canvas. Next time, I think I will use vinyl!

This project of ours was featured on www.rockfordparent.com a few months back too! 

Thanks for checking in!

Cindy

 Home Stories A to Z Link Party.
This was posted to the Hookin' Up with House of Hepworth's!

 

 

 

Decisions...and a t-shirt

I've been at a crossroads lately. I'm stuck. I need to get unstuck--real quick. I have ideas. Lots of them. I'm just not sure which one (or ones) I should go with. It's just not me that I'm impacting. I have a family. They have a stake in whatever I decide to do at this crossroad. 

Part of me thinks I'm just a wimp and I should just tread water and stick it out, but a piece of me dies everyday I have to continue down this path.

Where is my Magic 8 ball?
Ugh. Enough complaining already. Here it goes. I did a craft with my son the day before school started. We had fun--and the results were fantastic. And, its cheap too! Here's what you need:

•  t-shirt
• spray fabric paint (got mine on clearance at Wal-Mart--they were fluorescent pink, green, yellow and orange )
• imagination
• cardboard or something to put under the shirt

We did the project outside. It would be ideal if it was a calm day--breezy days wouldn't result in the design you were hoping for--which could also be fun too!

Start by putting something in between your shirt so the paint doesn't soak through to the other side (we used an old plastic place mat we had lying around). 
Next--decide what design or pattern you want. Carson wanted all four colors everywhere--no rhyme or reason.
Begin your design. Have fun and don't tip the bottle because they it doesn't spray, it dribbles.
Finally--show off your Kool-Aid mustache smile and cool new t-shirt!
 

I did a different technique on my shirt--and I love it! I will share it soon, just need to make a few "alterations"! And, if Hailey ever decides to hang around long enough to do her t-shirt, I will share it too!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cindy 
This post is part of Get Your Craft On at Today's Creative Blog.

It's just the beginning!

Well, I finally did it. I started. This blog was a goal for my 2011 New Years Resolutions. Yes, I know, I'm a year and a half late. Better late than never, right? I just couldn't decide which route I wanted to go--but I figured it would take on a world of its own and it will just "find" its place. Well, I hope you join me on a journey of fun crafts, good food, and everyday trials. I'm not perfect. I'm just beginning. I hope this blog allows me to pour my creative juices out and release some built up tension. I promise I will have a fun post up soon. Please, pass along my blog to your friends and start following me! I promise it will be a fun place to meet up every now and again!

Cindy

Me & My Hunk at a Chicago Bears Game!