Bee Happy Blog Hop

Welcome...

to the Bee Happy Blog Hop! We are buzzing with joy!! It's Spring; the birds are singing, and the bees are buzzing! So happy you decided to join us in this fun bee themed blog hop today!

 

You should have buzzed on over from Pam's bee hive. If not, the Queen Bee is Connie Can Crop, and she 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 amazing crafters.

 

We have an awesome sponsor for this hop!

One lucky winner will win their choice of 3 their awesome files in their shop!

Be sure to check out their shop online HERE;

Visit them on facebook HERE;

Follow their blog HERE for inspiration!

 

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 (4/10/2016) to finish the hop and leave your comments. The Winner will be announced on Wednesday (4/20/16) at Connie Can Crop. Be sure to follow everyone and leave a comment along the way!

 

I really need to up my card stash. I send cards out all the time... and I used to have a pretty big stash. Then something happened. My take got bigger than my make! Did you follow that? In plain English because my other English was more plain than this, apparently, all the stuff I've been making, haven't been enough for the taking. Did you get it this time? And so... it appears that most of my blog hops and challenges and pretty much mostly everything for awhile just might be cards.

 

I needed a pick-me-up type of card for a dear friend who was in a car accident. I have a sympathy card, but um... not quite appropriate. I had an ouchie card... again, not quite appropriate. I'm not very appropriate, apparently. I decided to put a bee in her bonnet and get into some of her bee's-ness (haha, get it?) and make her bee happy! hahahaha! I love all the plays this "bee" word can make!

I started with a cute little dollar-store stamp, in Walnut Stain Distress Ink - Tim Holtz... I LOVE YOU! I wanted it a little "fuzzy" (because that's how bees are, ya know...) and not so crisp. The Distress Inks are perfect for this. I filled in the white body parts with Zig glue... sprinkled on some Martha flock (in a yellow daffodil) and let 'er rest a bit. Then tapped off the excess flocking. didn't need FUZZ everywhere... 

If you read me you know, not "me" per se, but at least my blog, then you may have read several other posts where I used a clear or colored Crystal Lacquer. Whelp! I did it again! I put that light blue pastel Crystal Lacquer in the wings, being extremely careful not to put it on the lines. Patting self on back. Good job, Lisa!!!

Ok... this pic's not so hot. I'm having close-up difficulties with the iPhone 6 (in case you want to give me FREE advice on better techniques to use with said phone) and I'm really just too lazy to go get my "real" camera, take pics, download said pics to the computer, upload said pics to my blog... See? Way too much work. I'm tired already. Anyway... the pic is supposed to bee the stamped and embellished image with further embellishment. Can you tell what I did? Yup! I sprinkled Pixie Dust on the wings. But they didn't fly... and neither did I. But it really does look good, in person...

I don't hate my writing. I used my writing skills  and wrote out the word "Bee" on the front of the card in more Zig glue and sprinkled more flocking. I was impatient and simultaneously glued and flocked the word "HAPPY" in HUMONGOUS letter on the inside and neglected to let it dry enough...

I inked up the edges with another Distress Ink (did I tell you I love Tim Holtz?). But it still wasn't enough. After reviewing several of my posts, I'm starting to think I'm a Children's Lit author with a sing-songy voice and repetitive phrases... kinda like when there is a chorus or trademark...

And so... since the Pixie Dust didn't seem to work...I made my bees fly! (with a little penwork...

My advice? Let the outside dry before working on the inside. Now, I'll have to slice off the cover and attach it to another card. Ugh. I hope you like it anyway. I know my friend will, when she gets it! I just want her to "Bee Happy"! (and YOU, too!)

Up next is Sarah... buzz by her blog and see what kind of bee-you-tiful stuff she's got goin' on!

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

• Connie- http://conniecancrop.blogspot.com/
• Kim - http://katydidcards.com/
• Angela-http://Crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com/
• Janet -http://janetscreativeworld.blogspot.com/
• Sharon - http://piece-ofheart.blogspot.com/
• Theresa -http://Scrapsbygracie.blogspot.com/
• Veronica- http://vickyscrappingpassion.blogspot.com/...
• Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com
• Pam - http://lovebugcreations3.blogspot.com/
• Lisa - http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com/
• Sarah- www.sarahbiswabic.blogspot.com
• Christi-http://tranquility1905.blogspot.com/
• Alicia - http://goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com/
• Holli - SunflowerHolli.blogspot.com
• Daphne- Craftyscrapsofstuff.blogspot.com

My "Good Deed" for the Day!

While on my way to the Post Office... a little Pekingese dog limped from the sidewalk into the street. I slowed down, and as it kept limping across the street, I stopped. While I honked the horn, the dog stopped in front of my van. It was panting heavily and sat on its rear, lolling its tongue out in thirst. I honked the horn more... the dog (by this time I see he's male...) took a couple more hobbles and stopped in another car's path. The car swerved around (missed me!) and kept going. Another truck (coming the opposite way of myself) stopped and got out to help. Mr. Pooch ran and parked himself underneath my car! And of course, handy with my camera (and a scrapbooker!)... I had to take a picture!


The other guy (pool dude) and I tried to get the dog out to no avail. I called Animal Control, as Mr. Pooch snapped at the pool cleaner and moved farther under my car. He simply wanted shade (it was around 90 here...). We gave the dog water, then another great guy (who had passed and asked about the dog earlier) stopped back by and offered a hamburger for Mr. Pooch. (How sweet was that!) Between myself, the pool dude and another neighbor, we went to about 10 houses, asking if Mr. Pooch belonged to anyone. No one claimed him.


End of the story... Animal Control showed up, got Mr. Pooch out (without a problem... I might add!), and we all went on our merry little ways.


Basically, I was amazed that so many people stopped to ask to help and did help. I was NOT amazed at how many people whizzed by, not caring at all. It was not a waste of time, although it did take about 45 minutes. But I feel Mr. Pooch will be much better off than getting hit by someone (which I'm sure is what happened in the first place). I would love to thank the pool dude (sorry I never got your name) and the neighbor dude. They were great and a wonderful help. I'm sure Mr. Pooch appreciates us all, too. Toodles for now! lisa

Did I forget to mention?

Yah! I did! Some of you have been with me through a lot of my trials (Divine Intervention, etc.). Uh... I got my car back a while ago... just as the gas prices started creeping (jumping!) up! Ugh. What used to take me $80 to fill my tank now takes over $100!

I know... for some of you in other countries, we complain too much. Your prices are much higher. But... we are not used to paying $4.50-5.00 a gallon. YUCK! And now... it's much too hot here (usually at least around 100 degrees F) to walk or ride bikes anywhere. Yes... I like excuses...

But anyway, I realized for those looking here, I hadn't disclosed the transportation issue. It took a little over a month. AND $500. Even though it wasn't my fault, the insurance has had a difficult time getting in touch with the at-fault driver, so we have to wait and maybe never get reimbursed for our deductible. (Sigh...) And so... with all of the problems we had, we also changed insurances. We are getting a lot more coverage for a little less and much lower deductible at a more reputable place. Yeah, us!

No... I didn't lose much (weight). I go back and forth. Such is life, or maybe it's just I'm not quite ready to give up the hefty me... hmmm... have to think about that one. Anyway... just wanted to catch ya'all up on that one. Toodles for now! lisa

My Favorite Tools and What I'm Looking For...

Most of you know I love scrapbooking and other crafts. Right now, I'm more fascinated with the scrapbooking. Here are some of my faves:

I adore my Cricut and use it constantly for many things. I only have a couple of cartridges: Mickey and Friends, Mickey Font, George and Basic Shapes, Paper Dolls, and Sampler (a concoction of bits from a couple of cartridges). I am currently looking for: "Tags Bags Boxes & More" and "Zooballoo". Also... I am looking for Cricut Design Studio (computer program that allows you to do much more with your existing cartridges). If you have any information on these (excellent deals or sites), please let me know!

Also, I just recently started using the Coluzzle cutting system by ProvoCraft. This system allows you to do precise cuts each and every time. I know my Cricut cuts, but this other system allows me to center my photos and cut those, too! Yeah! I have the following templates: tags and bookplates; boxes; and small nested circles. These are great. I am looking for the following: any nested templates, puzzle templates, and a alphabet template with "straight" letters (no dots or bumpies!).

We love "Red Tape!" It is one of the greatest things imaginable. Oh... and Glue Dots! Gotta get my adhesives... Pop Dots are another wonderful three-dimensional adhesive that finds its way into my hands often.

I am awaiting my Cropper Hopper paper organizing system to come in the mail (eBay auction), so that my little problem of paper pulling goes away. This will probably become another favorite.

Karen got a Cropadile Big Bite... and it is awesome... so awesome, that... I want one, too! It can punch a hole through anything. I would love to make a CD album... So, those of you who are close by... save those destroyed CD's for me! I could recycle them and put them to excellent use!

Another thing that I am looking for (craft/scrap-wise) is anything Coca-Cola. I picked up some stickers at Michael's the other day (on clearance) for $1.29, but haven't been able to find any papers or other items. A nice die-cut would be cool. Or... a cool Coca-Cola paper or ribbon... I love Coca-Cola and just thought it would be excellent to do a page of ME! I never do myself, and thought it would be fun... Suggestions or comments? Help! is really what I'm after!

One other thing that I would totally love is a "Bind-It-All." These are kind of expensive (at least to me). But would be totally excellent in making my (our... sorry, Karen! - we share, ya know... lol!) own books, albums, chipboard and bigger things. It basically puts an almost spiral-type binding on things (punches the holes at least).

Today is the usual... laundry day. But, I have to do some writing and other things, and then we're scrapping this evening, as there is no swim practice (for either kid). Jolene (my sister) seems to be doing fairly well. Her swelling is going down... now if I could only get her to eat!

The insurance adjuster finally called yesterday. She said she would find out the information I had been calling everybody else for... they are paid to do it (lol!). It seems like it will still take a while. Bummer! I could really use a bigger car than Jolene's... An auto sales rep called today, stating that he could get us what we already had (or at least pretty close to it). The only thing is... if we were to get a new car, we are probably looking at (maybe) a Tahoe Hybrid. It could totally save on gas! You'll have to check it out (or wait for updates).

Anyway, gotta get going... Stacy has an ortho appointment, and I have to finish laundry and start dinner, too. Have a beautiful day... we are! - Toodles for now! lisa

It's a Great Week... so far...

Although the ending of my week wasn't so good last week, this week is much better. Gone are the stressful days of running around, getting kids to two different schools, picking them up at two different times, taking them to two different practices. School is out! We have just been sitting and "gel-ing." Yes, we are getting some stuff done, but it is much more casual, and I am lovin' it!

Easter was also a great thing. With the "issue" from last week, I was driven by Juan to my mom's. My sister was there with her fiance, and my brother with his family. We didn't have the Easter Bunny... but we sure had a chipmunk (my sister!). She is recuperating from a jaw surgery (Friday also) and was a tad swollen. Yikes! We had a great time with the kids hunting for eggs (which contained $$$). Then we did dinner, talked a lot, and went home (I drove my sister's car, so I had transportation... Juan went to work from my mom's house).

Monday was different but easy. I slept in! Yeah! And it felt really good.

I'm still a little stressed from calling my insurance, the police, the "other" insurance, etc. and not getting a response back, but without running everyone around, it was much less stress on me, and I worked through it. (I made the same calls today without a response, too!) I'm still a little sore (stress and tension does that to a body), but overall, I'll survive and be okay.

We went to practice (the high-schoolers are swimming with the club swim team during spring break), and Stacy swam (Rey was at my mom's, taking care of my sister). I had deck duty and watched Marissa at the same time... boy was that a challenge! We were done fairly early and went home. No pressure, no going to bed at a certain time, no homework worries... it is GREAT!

Today was more of the same, (especially the "sleeping in" part!) except Rey and my sister came home. Jolene (my sis) is going to stay for awhile until she is okay on her own. The swelling has gone down a lot and she is able to eat "solids" through a syringe (YUCK!). But... swim practice was cancelled unexpectedly due to maintenance failing to unlock the pool gate. Hey! That bites!

Dinner tonight was super easy. Egg salad! Yum! Gotta love that egg salad on whole wheat with lettuce... Easy and not wasteful, and the best way to use up those Easter eggs.

Oh yeah... and I forgot. One of the must-have features I've decided I absolutely need for any vehicle (should we seriously have to get a new one) is automatic headlights! I was driving my sister's car and couldn't figure out why it was so dark! Whoops! I guess that's a little something I got way too used to! Just one of my random thoughts besides... gotta get scrappin'! Toodles for now! - lisa

HAPPY EASTER... and other things!

Here, in Southern California, it is a beautiful spring morning... it has the potential to be another scorcher. Yesterday was 91 degrees and was supposed to be no more than 79! (The weather cannot make up it's mind!) Who knows what today will bring... but it did bring the Easter Bunny!

I'm in the middle of a couple of articles and was just taking a break. I thought I'd send you some Easter greetings and hope everyone is well. Here are some cards I made... just for Easter, and I'm sharing them with you! Most of it is done with my little Cricut (which I absolutely LOVE). On the insides: one says, "Hoppy Easter!"; another - "Hoppin' your way to wish you a wonderful EASTER Day!"; and the last - "Happy Easter... from sumbunny who love you!" They were all done with stamps, my writing and embossing. Enjoy...Please comment. Your greetings can be shared with everyone.

And for all of those wondering how I am (after the accident), I'm a little stiff and sore (tension and nerves) and currently still without a vehicle. The police have not returned my calls, and neither has the insurance agent of the "other" party. But... I know I have been lied to (by the actual insurance company of the "other" party), because the paperwork I saw was issued after the supposed cancellation date of the policy. Go figure. Do you think anyone wants to pay up? How long is this going to take? All I know... guess who they are dealing with. I am extremely persistent, and this is no joke. I will "bomb" them with phone calls!!! This needs to be pushed through. There is no reason why I should have to pay when it wasn't my fault. Then again... what exactly is "no-fault" insurance? LOL! It is a joke!

On the other side... It is a beautiful day. Enjoy it... and have a HAPPY EASTER!!! Toodles for now! lisa

Through No Fault of My Own! - RAM!!!

I'm a little perturbed right now. I have no vehicle... I was in a car accident on the way home from dropping the girls off... was hit in the intersection by someone not braking enough for a red light. My car is thrashed at the passenger rear (so is the tire - totally shredded). I was pushed into the lady next to me (her car is pretty ok). The driver (who hit me)'s insurance policy expired 2 days ago... uh... It turns out, we DON't have uninsured motorists "protection" and don't have rental coverage! YikeS!!!!! Can I cry now? and even more... Juan wants me to stay calm and act ok, to not scare the baby... but.. The cop gave the guy (other driver) 3 hours to get a new insurance paper (the dude says the insurance is covered, he just didn't have the current paper... I sure hope so!). And my insurance says my best bet is to start with his insurance, so it is handled quicker. (Sigh....) I really want to cry now. My eyes are watering. I'm having a very bad day.

To top it off... it was a Dodge Ram 2500 4-wheel drive! Well, they live up to their names! I waited at a red light, while a crossing guard guided a runner. The light turned green... I waited about 2 seconds, saw no approaching vehicles, was almost across... and WHAM! The Ram rammed into me! Beautiful truck with minute damage... only the front bumper. It doesn't exactly look cool with white paint (mine) on it.

But going back to the perturbed thing... the insurance is really putting it to me. First they tell me that we have to shell out $165 to the tow truck ourselves, then they tell me the "other" driver's insurance company will reimburse us for it. Uh... isn't the insurance supposed to handle all of that? I would hope so. Then... to make matters even worse, they told me that an adjuster probably won't even be able to check it out until next week, and that I might want to get ahold of the "other" driver's insurance and get things speeded up from that end. Hello! What are they going to do about it? Apparently nothing.

A rental vehicle of the same size (we really need a mini-van size) is $499 a week. Wow! Thank goodness my kids aren't going to school for the next two weeks. We can get by... just won't be doing much. I guess I can reacquaint ourselves with the public transportation system. We can do the movies (next to the mall is cheap - $2 for matinee/$3 for evening); we can do the mall; we can do many other things, just as long as we are open-minded.

Maybe this is for the best. No one was hurt. Marissa wasn't with me, and the car, although very damaged, can hopefully be fixed. I wasn't in my pj's... We may have to pay a deductible... we'll find out later. But in the end, we'll all be ok.

Just remember, life happens. It happens quickly. So... make the most of it and make sure to brush your teeth and your hair before you go out! And remember also how beautiful each day is (look at that blue sky in the truck's photo!). Toodles for now! lisa (who is now much calmer...)