Skip To My Lou http://www.skiptomylou.org Craft, Create, Celebrate! Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:55 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 skiptomyloubloghttp://feedburner.google.com Kiwi Crate http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/skiptomyloublog/~3/OV1g4yrrQDI/ http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/15/kiwi-crate/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:55 +0000 cindylouh http://www.skiptomylou.org/?p=24549 Kiwi Crate sent my little crafting buddy one of their kits in mail. It is always fun to receive stuff in the mail!

I was super impressed with the packaging, the quality of the items and how well the instructions were laid out. I especially loved that they included name brand quality scissors.

My first grader loved reading the instructions. This made me think that these kits would provide great extended reading practice through the summer!

First up she crafted a stained glass window. It was super fun to put on colored glasses to see how the colors changed.

She was totally taken with the wooden top in the kit.  She created many different covers for it and I found her going back to it again and again.

She even figured out how to spin it in her hand!

These crates do deliver! They are filled with  materials and inspiration to encourage creativity and curiosity. You will find projects cover a number of developmental areas through art, science and imaginative play. The kits are designed for children  ages 3-7. My daughter is 7 and it kept her quite engaged. We still have more crafting to do with our kit, more stained glass frames and a fun tote to paint with tissue paper dye. You might like to see more sample crates!

Just sign up and an engaging new crate will be delivered to your door each month.

Kiwi Crate just launched a new party site where you will find gift crates and  party packs to bring creative fun to all your parties.


]]> http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/15/kiwi-crate/feed/ 1 http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/15/kiwi-crate/ Made by you Monday http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/skiptomyloublog/~3/zLk7zEsFn74/ http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/14/made-by-you-monday-98/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:50 +0000 cindylouh http://www.skiptomylou.org/?p=24428 Don’t forget Silhouette is running a promotion May 9th-16th.!  You can get 40% off all Vinyl.  Just enter code ‘Skip’ at check out.  For this limited time the Silhouette CAMEO and a Vinyl package is just $269.99 (MSRP $350)! Go to this link and enter the code “skip” at check out.

 

Now show us what you’ve got.  It is time to link up your crafty goodness! Please don’t forget to link back! — a text link at the bottom of your post, or link somewhere on your blog is okay!

Please link up only your own projects that YOU have made ( just a couple projects please and please do not relink ones from the previous week), and link to the specific post, not your blog home page. No Etsy shops or giveaways, please!

Don’t forget to link back to Skip to my Lou. A text link in your post is fine!



]]> http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/14/made-by-you-monday-98/feed/ 19 http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/14/made-by-you-monday-98/ They Have My Number! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/skiptomyloublog/~3/f9mACs297z0/ http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/13/they-have-my-number/#comments Sun, 13 May 2012 23:31:26 +0000 cindylouh http://www.skiptomylou.org/?p=24584 I was recently asked to give a sleep number bed a test drive. This couldn’t have been a more wonderful opportunity because I was not sleeping well at night. Each day I would wake up with a horrible back ache. So I couldn’t have been happier.

The bed was delivered and the delivery men took care of the set up and made sure we knew how everything worked before they left.

The bed was right at home!

Trouble in Paradise

We woke up from our first night sleep miserable. It had been the worst night’s sleep. I was  worried because I knew I couldn’t possibly review this bed. Thankfully, friends told us to adjust our numbers and give the bed another chance. It took a few days but I can now honestly say I wouldn’t know what to do without this bed. It is amazing!

In Love!

Each night we go to bed enveloped in comfort!

I love that:

  • I don’t notice my husband rolling over or leaving the bed.
  • the mattress forms to my body, yet provides plenty of support
  • we can each individually select our numbers
  • the special CoolFit™ foam with gel technology provides a cool, soothing sleeping surface that breathes
  • I wake up rested with no body aches!

Learn more about the new Sleep Number m7 Bed. Believe me you will sleep like a baby!

Stay in touch with Sleep Number and have exclusive Insider access to deals, sweepstakes, offers, sleep tips and more by liking them on Facebook

I received a free Sleep Number® m7 Memory Foam bed to review from Select Comfort / Sleep Number for this post.

 


]]> http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/13/they-have-my-number/feed/ 7 http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/13/they-have-my-number/ Made by you Monday {Wrap Up} http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/skiptomyloublog/~3/TLjO3s87Yz0/ http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/13/made-by-you-monday-wrap-up-22/#comments Sun, 13 May 2012 12:00:48 +0000 cindylouh http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/13/made-by-you-monday-wrap-up-22/ Happy Mother’s Day. Each week I enjoy looking through your links. Thank so much for sharing with us. Here are a few that caught my eye this week.

These beautiful daisy cookies caught my eye. They are beautiful. I love that she said thank you to the office staff at her kids school. Don’t forget them!

This car seat cover tutorial is adorable! What a great way to refresh a car seat.

Looking to refresh a room? How about recovering a pillow with this tutorial.

How about a monogrammed door mat? What a simple and easy idea.

This DIY porch make over is full of great ideas and accessories.

Don’t forget to stop tomorrow for another Made by you Monday. Who knows next week I just might be featuring you.

 


]]> http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/13/made-by-you-monday-wrap-up-22/feed/ 2 http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/13/made-by-you-monday-wrap-up-22/ Mother’s Day Gift tag idea {Guest Post} http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/skiptomyloublog/~3/LSO7swTDFWA/ http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/12/mothers-day-gift-tag-idea-guest-post/#comments Sat, 12 May 2012 12:00:18 +0000 cindylouh http://www.skiptomylou.org/?p=24572 Hi there! I’m so happy to be here today. I’m Linda from Craftaholics Anonymous and I’ll be showing you an easy last minute way idea for Mother’s Day.

Now I’m sure you have a thoughtful gift all ready to go for your Mom tomorrow…..right? Right! But do you have a gift tag ready? If not, here’s a quick and easy idea for one….

All you need is a few supplies to make a cute gift tag in a matter of minutes!

grab some bakers twine, paper flowers, cute brads, and

a self healing mat, exacto knife, and washi tape.

I used a self healing mat and an exacto knife to trim off the excess washi tape, embellished with paper flowers held in place with a brad. Then signed the tag and tied bakers twine around to hold the tag.

Love me some washi tape! {check out more washi tape crafts here}

Thanks for having me over to play today, Cindy!

I’d love to meet you! Stop by Craftaholics Anonymous and check out my craft tutorials.

happy crafting, linda


]]> http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/12/mothers-day-gift-tag-idea-guest-post/feed/ 1 http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/12/mothers-day-gift-tag-idea-guest-post/ Five Mothers day ideas http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/skiptomyloublog/~3/hkxv9-IWpYo/ http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/11/five-mothers-day-ideas/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:06 +0000 cindylouh http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/11/five-mothers-day-ideas/ Looking for a Mother’s Day idea? This round up is full of inspiration.

This adorable tea cup card is easy to make and perfect for the tea loving Mother’s who need a break.

This foot stool would surely be a hit. Any Mom would cherish this.

How about some Personalized Jewlery ? These bracelets would be easy to create for Mom.

This Silhouette plaque would be cherished for years to come.

This tulip card is perfect place to write a love note to Mom.

Check out some great Mother’s Day ideas I’ve shared here.

 


]]> http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/11/five-mothers-day-ideas/feed/ 0 http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/11/five-mothers-day-ideas/ Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole {without soup} http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/skiptomyloublog/~3/Y4_xWTFytu4/ http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/10/creamy-chicken-and-rice-casserole-without-soup/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:36 +0000 cindylouh http://www.skiptomylou.org/?p=22787 If you are looking for a really yummy chicken and rice casserole look no further!

Chicken-and-Rice-Casserole

Chicken and Rice Casserole

4 tablespoons butter 1 medium onion , chopped (about 1 cup)
4 garlic cloves , finely chopped
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 ½ cups chicken stock
3 ½ cups whole milk
1 ½ cups long-grain rice (uncooked)3 cups cooked chicken , cubed (I use chicken from 1 Rotisserie Chicken)
1/2 cup cheddar cheese , shredded
1 sleeve Ritz style crackers (finely crushed)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat and cook onions until translucent. Add garlic, seasoned salt, pepper. Add flour and mix well. Cook until starting to color.Stir milk and stock into flour mixture. Turn heat to medium high and continue to whisk as mixture comes to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add rice  and lower heat to medium low. Cook until the rice absorbs most of the liquid and is tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add  chicken to the rice and sauce mixture.Pour mixture into a 9 x 13 inch casserole, or two 8×8 inch casseroles.Combine bread crumbs and cheeses  and sprinkle evenly over top of the casserole. Place in hot oven and cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until topping is browned and casserole is bubbling.


]]> http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/10/creamy-chicken-and-rice-casserole-without-soup/feed/ 5 http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/10/creamy-chicken-and-rice-casserole-without-soup/ Monogrammed Vase Idea {$350 Silhouette CAMEO & Vinyl Giveaway} http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/skiptomyloublog/~3/R7EuKVTLHS4/ http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/09/monogramed-vase-with-vinyl/#comments Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:56 +0000 cindylouh http://www.skiptomylou.org/?p=24504 If you are in need of a simple and useful gift for a teacher, friend or your mom make them a monogrammed vase. The Silhouette Cameo makes quick work of cutting vinyl for this handmade gift. Grab a vase (I found mine at Michael’s) and you are ready to start.

One of the things I love most about the Silhouette Cameo is how easy it is to download files from their website to cut and that it also cuts any font I have on my computer. To make this vinyl monogram I downloaded the flower wreath/doily for .99 cents. I then sized it to be three inches wide and added a letter from the fonts on my computer. It really is simple!

The Silhouette transfer paper makes it really easy to place intricate designs

Remove transfer paper and TaDah!

Now you have the chance to win a Cameo to make quick work of your gifts too!

If you already have a Silhouette cutting tool I’ve hooked you up, too!  You can get 40% off all Vinyl.  Just enter code ‘Skip’ at check out.

 

Exclusive Reader Discount and Giveaway

If your want the CAMEO {I know you do} right now you can get the Silhouette CAMEO and a Vinyl package for just $269.99 (MSRP $350)! Just go to this link and enter my code “skip” at check out. Promotion runs May 9th-16th. Already have a Silhouette cutting tool? Don’t forget you can also get 40% off all Vinyl too.  Just enter code ‘Skip’ at check out.

Silhouette CAMEO and Vinyl Package Includes:

  •      1 Silhouette CAMEO
  •      1 roll 12-inch Black Premium Vinyl
  •      1 roll 12-inch White Premium Vinyl
  •      1 roll 12-inch Transfer Paper

All for $269.99 (MSRP: $344.96…you do the math, that’s a lot of savings.  Fine, I’ll do the math: 344.96-269.99= 74.97.  Yay that is Almost 75 dollars in savings!

WIN a Silhouette CAMEO & Vinyl package

Please wait for RaffleCopter to load. You MUST Enter in Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For another chance to win enter on these blogs as well…

Infarrantly Creative

Craftaholics Anonymous

Crap I’ve Made

I Heart Naptime

House of Hepworths

No purchase necessary. US Residents Only. Must be over 18. Giveaway will end on May 14th at 12am CST. One winner with a valid entry will be selected at random using random.org. Your chance of winning is determined by how many enter this contest. Winner will be emailed, the winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be selected. Cindy Hopper and Silhouette are not responsible for lost or undelivered emails.

 


]]> http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/09/monogramed-vase-with-vinyl/feed/ 547 http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/09/monogramed-vase-with-vinyl/ Please VOTE for me http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/skiptomyloublog/~3/CnKLC0iakRU/ http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/08/so-good-so-sweet/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:09 +0000 cindylouh http://www.skiptomylou.org/?p=24471 My story about one of my unexpected, oh so sweet moments is in the running for an ipad. I am not going to lie. I would be over the moon to win something like that! …Pleeeeeeeeeease vote for me!  You can read my story about skating into memories here.   Please vote for me at the bottom!

What is in it for you? 1 of 5 AWESOME PRIZES!!!! Each vote gives you another chance to win one of the following know:

  • Grand Prize (1): Chef services for a holiday celebration: $1,500
  • First Prize (1): Personal organizer: $1,500 (towards an in-home consultation + product)
  • Second Prize (1): House cleaning services: $800  – 2 visits max – varies per location of winner.
  • Third Prize (1):  American Express Gift card:  $500
  • Fourth Prize (1): Flip Video UltraHD Camera: $200


]]> http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/08/so-good-so-sweet/feed/ 0 http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/08/so-good-so-sweet/ Made by you Monday http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/skiptomyloublog/~3/zLPbuK9aZ1o/ http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/07/made-by-you-monday-99/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 12:00:46 +0000 cindylouh http://www.skiptomylou.org/?p=24430 Got a graduate? Make sure to stop in here and Enter to win$100 worth of Graduation themed items from Pear Tree Greetings!!

 

Now show us what you’ve got.  It is time to link up your crafty goodness! Please don’t forget to link back! — a text link at the bottom of your post, or link somewhere on your blog is okay!

Please link up only your own projects that YOU have made ( just a couple projects please and please do not relink ones from the previous week), and link to the specific post, not your blog home page. No Etsy shops or giveaways, please!

Don’t forget to link back to Skip to my Lou. A text link in your post is fine!


]]> http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/07/made-by-you-monday-99/feed/ 26 http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/05/07/made-by-you-monday-99/