Woodland Critters Blog Hop

Welcome to the Woodland Critters Blog Hop

We are so happy you are joining us for this fun filled hop full of furry and feathery creatures from the forest. 

You should have arrived from Holli but if you need to start at the beginning, Connie Can Crop is the first stop in this hop. This is a one day blog hop and we appreciate your leaving a comment for all of these talented crafters.

Our sponsor for this hop is also Connie Can Crop.

She has reached in to her crafty shop, Connie's Crafty Cart and decided to give away an awesome stamp set by Martha Stewart.

Please visit her shop HERE 

you can find her on facebook HERE 

What do you need to do to win? Easy... become  a follower of each of the fabulous blogs in this hop and leave each of them a comment letting them know what you like best about their projects.

You will have until 10 pm Sunday to finish the hop and leave your comments.

Winner will be announced on Wednesday 1/20/16 here at Connie Can Crop.

Be sure to follow everyone and leave a comment along the way!

Now it's time for mine! Woohoo! I brought a little stinker to the action... He's a little cutey skunk that I got off a cart I own. Then I cut out "Valentine, You're a breath of fresh air"

I decided to do a Valentine, so I'd be done WAY before the day...

See how well the Explore cuts?

I didn't really like the gray... So went with my fave... And colored it in blue. 

The nose covered it in a cute pearl (don't think the hubs will notice, though)...

I started with a blue card and ripped it right off. Too much blue. (Never!!!! But I knew someone else might think so...) so I opted for the craft and clipped all the edges with an Angle Corner Chomper. 

And then I just had to put that little fool on a Wobble. (They're just too fun!)

*Note to self* Don't lose your patience. WAIT for the letters to go through. Overlapping letters don't get adhesive on them. Duh!

All done and ready for next month! 

What would YOU do with a stinky little critter?

 Up next is Barbara!

Here's our line up in case you get lost.

Connie- http://conniecancrop.blogspot.com

Kim - http://katydidcards.com

Enclade Miranda- www.nanasscrapspot.com

Beth- http://thecraftyscrapyard.blogspot.com

Charmagne Welch-  http://sanurascraps.blogspot.com

Angela Corcoran-  http://www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com

Veronica - http://vickyscrappingpassion.blogspot.com/

Jenny - http://crazyaboutcricut.blogspot.com/

Sharon - http://piece-ofheart.blogspot.com

Haidee - http://created2bunique.blogspot.com

Michelle - http://michellekinder.blogspot.com

Daphne - http://craftyscrapsofstuff.blogspot.com

Alicia - http://www.goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com/

Rhonda - http://craftingwithblue.blogspot.com

Sarah - wwwsarahbiswabic.blogspot.com

Holli - http://sunflowerholli.blogspot.com/

Lisa - http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com (You are here!)

Barbara- http://barbarab3.blogspot.com (Up Next!)

Ronnel- http://www.inkyantics.blogspot.com/

Jessica-http://www.craftinandstampin.blogspot.com

Catching Up on Some Cards and Other Stuff

Whew! Time sure goes by fast! I've missed out on posting my Valentine's stuff, some birthdays, some thank yous, gifts, cupcakes and other things. So... I'm just going to cut to the chase a post a coupla little stuff here (that I can find) and give you the short version of it.

This means, that... things will probably be outta order here for a while. I am at a standstill (as of this moment), due to the shaping of my craft/scrap/sewing room, so during my "off" moments, I will post things I can find... randomly... Here's a little for the day:

Here's a quick Thank You note I cut up... using my Cricut (Gypsy Font from the Gypsy) and the Cuttlebug, with some leftover papers circa Valentine's Day.

At some point this year, I went to a baby shower. This was for Little Baby Wyatt (hey, Jenn!). Made with my Cricut, Cricut Sampler, and Gypsy Font. Glitter paper and chalk (for the cheeks) go a long way. The baby was adorable (after birth shower) and the gifts were fun and a-hoy-y (pirate and sail-boat themed).

We also went to another birthday, this time a dual birthday party. Here's one of the cards. I made them both really similar, so that neither girl felt hers was "different" than the other's. They were made (once again) with my Cricut (Alphalicious and Gypsy Wanderings) and the Cuttlebug.


Valentine's Day kept me busy! First of all... money was a scarce thing. So... I got super duper cheapy bags ($.25 from Walmart) and used them for the wrap for the 5-year-old then stuck Cricut-cut hearts and stuff all over for decoration (like she even noticed).

For the older girls (and hubby) I bought the $1 miniature candy bars and made a vase (hot gluing it all together). Cut out hearts and flowers using various cartridges on the Cricut, doubled chenile stems, and hot glued a candy center for the flowers. To use as a "frog", I used Smarties to anchor the candy flowers. Tying a ribbon around for the final touch, and Voila! Finished. And really cheap.

Hubby got me something really good, though. He purchased tickets to the Eagles concert at the Hollywood Bowl (see my review here along with some great pics of the Eagles and the Hollywood Bowl).

My gift for the family? For everyone, I used my Cricut Deep Cut Blade (and housing) to cut out a stencil (with leftover stencil material) of a couple of hearts and stencilled colored sugar onto cupcakes. C'est bon! Fin! I had an extremely inexpensive Valentine's, but with a homemade touch. They all loved it, and I got to rest and eat a cupcake (which went straight to my hips)!

For all of the above (except the candy and bags), I completely used what I already had... SCRAPS and items from the pantry! I looked through everything I had and made the most and the best of it. Utilize your scraps, too. *It's a good thing! (Thanks, Martha!!!)

Rockin' Out With The Eagles (the Band)

It was a Friday. Much like any other Friday, except I was sitting in traffic, waiting... bumper to bumper... just anticipating my night. I was excited. This is something I had been waiting for... for months. I was on my way to the World Famous - Hollywood Bowl, to see one of my all-time faves... The Eagles.
We got there REALLY early (like at 4pm'ish, and the concert was set to start at 7:30). They do this thing called "Stacked Parking" (where everyone [car] is piled into a parking lot like a can of sardines, and the only way you are gonna get out is if the person or people in front of you have left already... needless to say, but... there are no early releases in this situation). We were the fifth in line of the first row of the parking. We had a easy out into the future traffic. Good to go!

I didn't take pics of the food... actually, I didn't take ANY pics (these are all Juan's doing!). We went with the thought we were going to eat at one of the restaurants. Uh... yeah... What we didn't know is... in the past eight years since we'd been to the Hollywood Bowl, things have changed a. lot. NOW... you actually can't get into the restaurants (any of them) unless you've made prior reservations. Ugh. So... we were stuck with concession stands or... we could... W A L K (gasp!) to a local restaurant (the nearest one being .5 miles away). We chose to walk to a pizza place.

As we were headed down the hill... one of the concession stands rolled up their doors... Juan went to ask about the Chicken Caesar Salad. Upon finding that the chicken is cold (not fresh), he started to walk away. The vendor said, "Well, we have burgers, hot dogs..." BURGERS? Uh... they aren't on the menu... "Yeah, they're not, but we have 'em." So... we ordered burgers (the man? ordered... 2. Me? 1.) and coughed up $11 a piece for them.

My thoughts? OMG! I coulda/woulda/shoulda had Red Robin or The RainForest for that kinda price! These are gonna be crappy little burgers for a mass expense.

But... I waited patiently and didn't say a word, as THIS is what my husband wanted to do... and I really didn't want to WALK up and down the hills of Hollywood (the Bowl is SURROUNDED by hills!).

Out came the burgers, mine with no onion, his with cheese. Much to my surprise, we got three (count them... 1... 2... 3...) trays, each with their own burger in them. Curious, I looked at my burger, peeking through the open wrap. Mmm... grilled Artisan bread/bun. (Oh yummm...!) And the burger? Uh... HELLO burger! It wasn't a teeny-weeny 1/4-pounder. It was one helluva 1/2-pound burger (grilled to perfection... by the way!). Complete with butter leaf lettuce, succulent red-ripe tomato and a side of garlic-mayo. I am in HEAVEN! This was better than Red Robin and Rainforest put together (and I love their burgers!). And Juan said, "I thought they were going to be rinky-dink... and I ordered 2?" After he got through his first and half-way through his 2nd, he asked if I wanted more. Uh... no. I'm so good.

How'd we get the camera in? Turns out, regardless of their strict rules being handed out at every possible moment, as long as the camera is point-and-shoot, not one of those HUGE SLRs with the magnificent lens, they let them in. So... we went back to the car and got his camera (hence the reason why I didn't want to WALK to dinner... taking the hills yet again).

OK, enough of my bad prose... I'll get to the actual entertainment.

The Hollywood Bowl in the daylight, with fans still pouring in...

We got to our seats, and kicked back for a while. We people watched. We met seated close to us. Did you know... People came from all over the United States! The women next to me (who I seriously hope to be life-long friends with - HI, Kaye and Susie!!!) were from Alaska. The guy next to Juan was from New York, and another guy that my two new friends talked to was from Texas. And those are only the people we learned about.

Wow! I would never... well... I can't REALLY say that, as I've been exposed to Southern California and all it has to offer my whole life. We are SO spoiled here. We have everything at our fingertips, or at least within driving distance.

Ok... on to the concert (btw... I'm posting a video, and it is taking FOR.EVER. to process!)...

At 7:35, the Eagles took the stage. They sang in a cappella from their Long Road Out of Eden album. It was awesome. No one else opened for them. They did it for themselves. (*Note* I don't know what song it really was, as I'm not familiar with THAT album. I mostly listen to all of their older stuff. But... I will be getting this album, as what I've now heard... I like!)

These guys are seriously awesome! It was the best concert I've EVER been to (and I've been to quite a few). They joked around with each other, made jokes...

Glenn Frey mostly sang with his eyes closed (and his right finger in his ear), but had a great sense of humor in telling the history of some of the songs. My fave saying of the night? Glenn Frey: We are the eternal band. The Band that never dies! (and they played forever, too!... that's a good thing.)
Don Henley... sang his heart out! He even did some of his solo-ish songs (Boys of Summer and All She Wants to Do is Dance). He sounds JUST like he always did. And the guy is versatile... jumping from percussion to guitar... Timothy Schmit can still sing those high notes in I Can't Tell You Why, play bass, and sound GOOD! Joe Walsh? What can I say... He's CRAZY... He's unpredictable... On his first solo of the night, I seriously thought it was a mercy song (like they "let" him sing, just so he could get some credit). It was THAT bad (think The Who during the Super Bowl... like Grandpas Gone Wild [and horrible]!). But, as the night got on... he warmed up and got A LOT better. They took a short intermission (less than 10 minutes, people!) and returned to again start off with another a cappella from their latest album. This time, they sat together. It was great. This was THE FIRST concert (sans children) I've ever been to that I didn't have a drink. Not. a. drop. of. alcohol. was consumed by this here person here. Seriously. Don't know why, but hubby got some sort of stick up his ass (yes... I still love him!) that we were going to enjoy it SOBER. And enjoy it... I DID!

And the Eagles enjoyed it, too! They played for a whole 3 1/2 hours, with a brief intermission and two encores. They did it all! They were funny. They were entertaining. Their quality (of voice and of music) hasn't deteriorated over the years. They sounded SUPER awesome. But most of all... they enjoyed each other. They jammed together and had a blast. They made us (the audience) feel like they were doing this because they liked to do it. I have never seen a band enjoy performing as much as they appeared to.
I would like to personally thank the Eagles (all members) for this wonderful night in Hollywood. It was a night I will never forget and will forever remember as the BESTEST concert I've ever been to in my whole life. These are great memories, and I will cherish them.

I came out of this concert with a renewed spirit for music, the Eagles, and the Hollywood Bowl. I came out with a couple of new friends, too (and not high on second-hand weed smoke). Thank you, Juan... for your most wonderful Valentine's present.

The Hollywood Bowl at Night.

After all this gushing (my true feelings, by the way), I might probably complain, in another post, about the CHEAP-ASS quality of t-shirt you get for a whopping $35!, but I am still so elated right now, I don't want to go there... right now...

And (if it ever finishes processing...) here is a little share with you. I hope you enjoy it like I did!
SCRATCH the ABOVE! It just won't take!

and here's a much cleaner version (courtesy of someone off youtube)

STILL Not Done...

With my car. SO... starting Friday, I will be hounding the brake shop and the dealership. They won't know I'm coming... watch out boys!

The kids are doing great. Water Polo is over and swim season has started; it's only practices, now. Stacy's grades have gone up (YAY!) and hopefully, she'll actually be able to participate in a sport this school year. Rey is definitely a teenager... really going full boat with the attitude, following in her sister's footsteps (I hope not). Marissa is following, too. lol! She is a card and comes up with the biggest words and even uses them correctly. I am always amazed, as are the other two, when she talks. I love them all.

It's hard to say about Juan's kids, as we rarely hear from them. Usually only when... okay I won't go there.

Juan is alright, too. He's a little po'ed about the car, as am I. We are so tired of it. But on another topic, he actually kept everything I made him for Valentine's Day. He loved the "I LOVE YOU" card and the peanut jar I made him. He thought I bought the covered jar from someone else who had made it.

The girls' shirt turned out really cute for Valentine's Day. I'll have to post pictures of all the girls in them, so you can see the shirts and see how they are growing, as well.

I am doing okay, tired a lot, but still okay. With so much to do... I don't know how these super moms do it without being tired.

If you are visiting here, looking for crafty stuff, you need to know I have moved that blog to i Created It!. I know you don't want to read about my personal life and such, but this blog has now been adapted for catching up with family, friends, and a couple of other helpful hints and rants. Just about everything. I will occasionally post things of a crafty nature, just not totally scrappy. Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you on my other blog.

Anywho... that's all I got for now. I'll post pictures by the end of the week. Today is Ash Wednesday, so I still gotta figure out what's for dinner! Toodles for now! lisa

An Odd Day... and a Forgotten Birthday (I'm sorry!)

Waking up at 5:30 am is just not for me. But, whatever, as I have to do it for my kids... well, at least one of them. Stacy began swimming practice for the high school swim team today, and they have "Hell Week" until the end of the month. Since the season starts during school, their week lasts about 3 weeks. They have to be there at 6am, in the pool, ready to work. Oh what fun! I'm just glad it's not me!

Well, lazy soul that I am, I came back and flopped into the bed. 7:45 came really early! I had to take the other one to school, as well. Yay! Rey looked so pretty as she walked up the school steps. She curled her hair today and looked almost angelic. At least she smiled. (She woke me up at 7am, showing me a cut foot. Put tape on it, and let me sleep... lol!)

I came home, did a little bit of research and was off to the library (StoryTime for Marissa). Only, I guess my awake mode wasn't in gear just yet... As we were walking to the library, she asked for me to change her diaper (she did a doodle...). No problem, right? Uh oh! As I was running out the door, because I thought we'd be late, I had forgotten the diaper bag. Yuck! I am a horrible mother...

We were already half-way there, so I told her to hold on. When we got there, I did a mad dash to the restroom... Did you know they don't have a baby changing station there? I know this is a library and everything's supposed to be quiet, but there are kids with diapers who go for StoryTime! I had to lay her down in her stroller, wet some paper towels, and clean her up. There was no way to reuse the diaper, so she went diaperless. She did well and sat through the whole rest of StoryTime, without screaming and without pottying her pants. Usually when I don't immediately put a diaper on her, the shrillness of her screaming makes me cover my ears and run for the diaper bag. We even got home with the pants still dry. She calmly asked me for a diaper, once we got into the house, and I obliged.

Then I began decorating for Valentine's Day. I still have to finish, and I am starting a little later than I'd hoped, but at least it's getting done prior to the big day. Gifts are already purchased. The girls will work on their Valentine's Tuesday & Wednesday night, and we will be ready to roll. Marissa will have hers done Tuesday for the library "friends" on Wednesday. I still have to figure out the menu, though. Haven't done that.
Oh no!!! I have a wonderful sister-in-law. She is so patient and understanding... (do you feel that smooch yet?) I was so pre-occupied with thoughts of my dad and my normal everyday things, I neglected to call her on her birthday. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, VIC! Sorry about that. We can call and sing to you, if you'd like... Please forgive us. (huh, huh? What do you want? I will make you something yummy...)

(Sigh!) Today has promised to be another exasperatingly busy day. Marissa is rather demanding today, and I promised myself I'd get more done (I did that in Church yesterday). I've got to run to pick up Rey in 1/2 an hour, then pick up Stacy an hour after that, then run back to the high school for Rey's swim practice. Yay! We are back at our home school! The pool is done! No more camping out on the other side of town for hours on end! Home Sweet Home.

Oh! I've still got to make Juan's lunch (isn't he just so lucky...) and upload photos to have printed... I'm actually going to scrap for myself tomorrow. I'm goin' to Karen's! She has the day off, and she is NOT going to cancel this time! Yay!

Oh yeah! A new friend of mine published a piece of mine on one of her sites. Check it out at http://molly-mormon.com/the-journey-to-better-friendships/. Toodles for now! lisa

Daddy Got Out! (and Other Things...)

Of the hospital, that is. He is staying for a couple of days at my aunt's house (she is an RN, who spend many a year in the ICU/CCU) to get some 1-on-1 attention. He seems to think he will be returning home Sunday (tomorrow - to me... as I haven't gone to bed yet). We'll see... They sent him home on oxygen and potassium, and other wonderful things, so... like I said... we'll see. He also seems to think he will be going down to Baja (Mexico) for a fishing trip in the middle of March. Uh! We'll see!!!!!!! At least he is extremely positive and has some ambitious goals...

On this side, yesterday was Friday, and I had the most difficult time finding dinner. Since this is Lent, Friday is "fish" day (or vegetarian - just no meat!). I had a serious craving for Stouffer's Vegetable Lasagna - you know... the really rich one with the Alfredo sauce oozing out, made with broccoli and carrots? Yum! I was going to make some French bread and make it cheesy garlic bread. But... Guess what? I went to 3 different stores, and couldn't find it. So... I gave up! I could've made it myself, only Alfredo is pretty pricey to make (to get it really rich and tasting right), and it would've taken hours - and usually only costs $9.88 to purchase already done... I ended up getting fish tenders and made fish tacos for everyone. They all like the sauce (1/2 c sour cream; 1/2 c mayo; 1/2 t ground cumin; juice from 1 lime). It was a hit, but I still missed with my craving. Oh well.

Today was a cleaning day and cooking day. Wait a minute! Everyday is a cooking day! Yeah, well... Juan brought home carnitas for breakfast, along with an Entenmann's Cheese-Filled Crumb Coffee Cake... oh my gosh! It was to die for! I ended up eating, then going through some things and (once again) de-cluttering. Did I tell you the Flylady (see the link to your right) habit for February is 15 minutes of de-cluttering? Hey! It's great! But I did it for more than 15 minutes...

For dinner, we had teriyaki beef ribs, Guy Fieri's "The Bomb Bakers", and steamed veggies (in chicken broth). The beef ribs were frozen, so I decided to have a go with one of my Christmas gifts. Juan gave me another crock pot - 8 quart that has an "auto" feature. With this auto feature, you can defrost, then when it detects the proper temperature, it switches itself to cook. What a smart cookie - or crockie! It worked beautifully. My ribs were done in time for dinner!

I stitched up something really quick, as well. 2 years ago, I received a Cuisinart Griddler. It comes with extra plates (2 sets - one for the griddle, one for the grill/panini press [has ridges]). One set is stored on the appliance, and the other came in throw-away plastic bags. I was getting tired of the plastic bags and made a simple little bag with a divider, out of red flannel (soft to not scratch, and red to go with my Coca-Cola kitchen). Now, it works just fine! No more fear of a tearing bag or scratches on the non-stick finish.

We watched a movie... I won't comment, as it was much worse than I thought it would be and really don't want to waste words on it... and I seem to have lost my day. Such is life.

Tomorrow is an unsure day. I was supposed to go to my mom's house to clean, but they are feeling under the weather, so she'll let me know in the morning. But, we are still going to Church in the a.m. If we end up not trekking out to my mom's... I'm sure I could come up with something to do (lol!). I still have more to write, and I still have to decorate for Valentine's Day! (You know it's this coming Thursday, right? Are you ready?) Gonna lay my head down, now. Toodles for now! lisa