In the midst of Corona (Virus)

wow wow wow

how things change.

We are in the midst of a 'Pandemic...' world wide. Who would have thunk it?  Its crazy that in a few short days we went from being jealous of a small number of teachers who were getting an "extended spring break" thanks to some school districts being cautious; to a full blown national shut down of ALL schools. 

Be careful what you wish for I guess.

This is crazy. Cities shut down, curfews in place, shelter in place recommendations. 

Life takes a lot of crazy turns, many dips and highs, with fantastic feelings in all ranges. It is a crazy thing, this life. Like a carefully crafted quilt with different pieces sew together in odd little patterns that end up making a beautiful mosaic.

In the midst of this national 'emotional contagion' catastrophe I find myself hopeful for once, not based on fairy tales and romantic moving endings...based on what I can see, hear, and feel.

I made a major decision and moved (only 7 short months ago) from Denver, CO to Phoenix, AZ. I could say back to AZ, but it has been so vastly different this time around. I'm here by myself. And I'm glad. Life is opening up in so many different ways this time around. More than I could have wished for, hoped for and even dreamed off. 

Love comes 'round in mysterious ways. People who you think are your closest friends may not be. Those that you love deeply, may not love you back the same way. Egos need to be rubbed. And hurt in my honest opinion.

I'm glad I'm stocked full of crafts and coloring books, surround by friends.  We'll see what tomorrow brings. i hope this shit doesn't go on for months. Thats insane but possible.

Wasted Glitter

Well shit on a shingle...and not the sandwich.

It is amazing to me how quickly time passes. How we let little moments slip away and make mountains out of mole hills.

Life is precious. A gift they say...and yet sometimes its a GAG gift and I'd like to give it back.  I'm spending my time reflecting on those little moments that I may have or may not have, at the time, thought, "remember this." But I do. A touch on the shoulder, a tight hug from a friend, a kiss on the cheek, a notecard in the snail mail, bit of laughter over something no one else will get, a smile across the room.

In one moment it can be gone.
In one moment, that took moments of negative time to add up, it can disappear.

And then you scrape, and scramble to try to get all those little seconds, together and make meaning of them. some stick. some don't. like glitter that you wipe most away and yet some always manage to get stuck on you somewhere, in your hair, on your face, in your clothes.

All that glitter. Wasted.

Lil bit of Me

One of the reasons I decided to change the focus of the blog was to try and help others in some kind of positive way.  In order to do that I should share a little bit about me. 

I am happily married to my husband of almost 14 years.  We will be celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary in March....we will have been together 15  years on March 12th, which IS also our wedding anniversary. Luck and fate should have it that our wedding day/evening was able to take place exactly ONE year from the day we met.  

We met in Phoenix through friends, and for us, it was love at first sight, although we didn't realize it until the second time we met.  LOL  We do not have people children but we do have our furry kids. With us now are Elly (age 12) and Jaxon (almost 4!), both Blue Heelers and the light of our lives.

We have lost 2 furry kids, Ginseng, the BEST shar-pei at age 9 and Tiggr, Texas Heeler (by far the best buddy EVER) at age 12.  Those losses are already 2+ years and yet there are days when it stabs at my heart that it feels like just yesterday. 

Anyhow...Brian and I moved to Denver in 2009. We had moved back and forth AZ-CO-AZ-CO and have stayed here. I am completely ready to move again, thanks to the unreal cost of living here and social isolation. Brian just finished his Bachelor's degree in Special and Elementary Education and will be looking for employment to start in the schools in the Fall 2018. He currently works Turf/Grounds Crew for the Colorado Rockies MLB team and NFL Denver Broncos.   All I can say is I'm proud of him and so happy to have our evenings back without homework from his schooling!  

I too work in Education, over 17 years as a School Psychologist. I basically love what I do and the meaning behind it. Its only some co-workers and parents that make me "hate" my job.  I just remind myself I work for the "kids" so that they can succeed in life. 

About 3 years ago I was formally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. After 2 years of doctor's appointments related to extreme fatigue, chronic pain, lethargy and fogginess my OBGYN contacted my primary physician to make the diagnosis real.    Imagine my response....great. So now I have been diagnosed with an "invisible" chronic illness and I work and am surrounded by family and people who are incredibly concrete thinking. 

Its been a hard road, and continues to be so.  I am now at a point where I have utilized all my sick time and my illness is beginning to impact my ability to meet job deadlines, unless I work from home. Which, as you can imagine, as a Psychologist in the schools is not an easy thing to do unless its related to paperwork (which we happen to do a lot of). 

I continue to struggle with feeling like saying "I have a chronic illness" indicates a personal weakness and failure. I struggle with feeling the need to justify, to prove, to want to gain acceptance of my illness.  If I wasn't concerned with others perceptions, my stress level and anxiety would probably be a WHOLE lot LOWER.  I honestly feel like others perceptions is one of the largest confounding factors that impacts how severe my Fibro symptoms on any given day, are. 

I say "my Fibro," because...well...it is MINE.  No one can understand the severity of the pain on a good day much less a bad flare day.  Fibromyalgia has some common characteristics that those of us with it suffer from. However the severity, degree and other symptoms we have are widely varied. That's why mine is MINE.  

I have a hard time remembering how I felt before all the fatigue and pain.  I think I've been pain free once in the last 5 years and that was recently thanks to some pain meds administered in the ER. And can you imagine how frustrating, that when I do go to the doctor, and they run the same 18000 labs (okay 8-10 labs) they all come back "normal." Then, the doctor says, "it could be an impact of your fibromyalgia."  

So at this point, related to my Fibro is IBS, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, shortness of breath, tight muscles, fatigue, lethargy, poor vision, difficulties at times with fine and gross motor skills, balance, memory (both short and long term), and speech.  Yesterday Brian said, "my wife is brilliant and when she can't put thoughts and words together about what to eat for dinner, well...that's when I really worry."    We live in a world where my baseline pain is about a 4 on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being severe. 

I am amazed everyday at what I can still accomplish, and disappointed daily by my limitations. 

Ups, Downs and All Around

So.
I have been thinking about this blog.

What I set out to do with it.  What it has become or more accurately, NOT become. What I could use it for.
Inspiration. Not just the craft kind, because, well....that's obviously not working.

I have kept a journal since I was 7 years old and I still continue to do so. It centers me, eases my mind, provides a way for me to think things over, make decisions and reflect.

I definitely don't journal as much as I used to, and I find myself longing for it. It used to be about having the write notebook, pens, markers, time, etc. Lately (well, over the last few years) it has become more relative to the thought of "why bother?"

Who's going to care? Who's going to read my story and think,"Oh that sounds like her" or "I finally understand why she did xx xx or why she felt xxxx."

I do not  have children of my own (not by choice) or someone to pass these on to (partially by circumstances) but my life has meaning. Doesn't it? Why not share my stories? My thoughts, my gobble de goop that is caught in my mind.

Maybe it will give someone a reason to smile or laugh. Feel okay to question themselves. To be OK with Not being OK.

I read others' blogs and find myself thinking, "Oh my, she gets it," or, "I never thought about it like that."

So why not try? What do I have to lose?

Hope you join me on this journey. I am not sure what it will look like. I do not even think I know WHAT I want it to "look" like. Guess what?  That's me. A little bit of sunshine, some clouds...a bit thunderous at times. Full of beauty and wonder and curiosity. Playing it safe, but not too safe. So here I am. Maybe something will strike a chord. Maybe you will laugh because you find something is funny or humorous. Or maybe you smile because you chuckled, thinking, "what a dork." Somedays what I share may make you cry. Feel relief, or sadness, or empathy. Give you strength in a moment when you didn't realize that was what you needed. 

Here I am.  I hope you come back and visit me from time to time. That is all I can hope for. NOTHING to LOSE and maybe a little something to gain.

Convention 2017

I was once again able to attend Annual Convention, and so grateful for the opportunity. I missed last year, and I did not want to miss another. Convention rejuvenates me. Provides me with new ideas, re-ignites my passion for this "hobby."  

Convention 2017 was held in Salt Lake City, Utah...home to the corporate office. It was held at the Salt Palace Convention Center...impressively huge.  

My sister, Shirley and sister-in-law, Tricia, were both able to attend as well. Tricia first introduced me to CTMH back in....maybe 2004 when the stamps wee still on wood blocks. Shirley became a consultant under Tricia in, I believe 2011 and they attended Convention in Dallas together and bugged me to join so we could have an annual sister trip, so that's how my joining CTMH began. Anyhow, it was amazing just hanging out with them, catching up, and of course Scrapping and creating! 

Day 1 ~ Thursday, June 29th
The initial day starts with a General Session, evey year brings a different theme and this year was "Who Tells Your Story." The excitement and anticipation is UNREAL.  The afternoon would consist of a Creative Session and Home Office Tours. 

Everyone attending is excited to see what CTMH has created new, what product lines will be staying/changing, etc. General Session involves some type of "skit" to introduce the new products. 

This year revolved around Jeanette's, the founder of Close to My Heart, "story." How CTMH evolved from her home to D.O.T.S to what it is today. 

The General Session involved introducing changes to our papers (they will be dual toned original color on one side and a lighter complimentary shade on the other), new products such as foil papers and a new creative book, new cut above kits w/Picture My Life cards and more, as well as a completely new line of Basic colors (greys/tans/neutrals) and new Fundamental paper packs. 

We knew there had to be more....but that would wait until Day 2!   They did introduce the Holiday Inspirations catalog as well, with amazing papers. All throughout the session names were called for prizes and I won a set of the new Christmas papers!  They are gorgeous, and I wish I could post a pic, but unfortunately we are under direct orders to not reveal until August! 


Walking out of the morning session we each were give a copy of the new Annual Inspirations catalog and off to lunch we headed! 

After lunch the first Creative Session commenced and we were provided new materials to create 4 12x12 layouts and 3 cards. 
OH!!! I almost forgot, the new Annual color was introduced!!!  BASHFUL is the color of the year and it is GORGEOUS!  

We each received a new Bashful Ink Pad along with 2 amazing stamp sets to create our projects. 


Our tour was reserved for 4:30, so off we headed. We loaded a nice tour bus for the drive to Pleasant Grove, UT which was about 45 minutes away. We did NOT think about the traffic when we booked and it took quite a bit longer, but we did finally make it! 





The tour involved seeing the remodeled home office, the Art Studio where the creativity happens, a quick peek at the warehouse, Jeanette's office, her crop area, the "BIG" meeting room and the lobby filled with amazing creative pieces.  

A HUGE Heart mobile was hung as a focal center pieces in the lobby, AND the largest wall had wallpaper created off a stamp set. Again, gorgeous!  


It was here that we received the much anticipated BAG we get every year, and we each had our picture taken by the Close to My Heart business sign by a professional photographer (not available, just yet). 

After the tour, we were EXHAUSTED and starving! We headed to City Center for dinner at the always delicious Cheesecake Factory. We returned to our hotel around 10pm and went straight to bed. 

Day 2 ~ Friday, June 30th

The day began with another General Session, followed by lunch and then Business sessions.  The General Session brought 2 inspirational speakers, each with their own "story" to tell.  The first to speak was Stacy Julian. If you don't know of her, she was the founding editor of Simple Scrapbooks magazine. She then started the very successful Big Picture Classes company which she then sold to Studio Calico in 2014. She was at first a consultant with CTMH before branching off on her own.


Stacy spoke to us about how ANYTHING, any moment, emotion, event, etc. can be "Story-ish." Based off the inspirational book "Ish" by Peter H. Reynolds in which he outlines that how a creative spirit learns that thinking "ish-ly" is much better than "getting it right."
What did this lead to? The introduction for a new Project she is partnering with Close to My Heart for, which is simply called "Story."   It is still "secret" and as such, we do not have many details, but it will be launching in 2018. SO exciting!   I do have to say hearing her speak struck a chord with me, and a light bulb went on. I struggle with creating scrapbook PAGES as I get stuck on who is going to look at this? I have no children, no one to pass these things on to, etc. When Stacy Julian spoke about "story-ish" I thought, "wait, this is ME. I journal, I post "tid bits" on facebook, I tell the story of my day, my experiences, etc. through one or two tiny pictures that I share!"  OH MY!  

We then had the honor to hear New York Times Best Seller, Stephanie A. Nielson. Her story was inspirational. To hear more about her personal journey and story, click this link.  Again, we do not know where life will take us, but it is what we make it, even through heartache, pain and loss there is a story to tell. 


Day 3 ~ Saturday, July 1

Day 3 brought about sessions in which Operation Smile was shared and the Operation Smile auction completed. Over $14,000 was raised this morning auctioning off VERY creative artwork by some amazingly talented Consultants and just a "few" Sticky Boy stamp sets....13 to be exact, each that went for $100 a piece! Speaking of Sticky Boy....I searched and did not find, though I was less than 30 seconds behind the finder of one. 

It was announced via a video and "wedding" announcement between Sticky Boy and Sticky Girl, that Convention 2018 will be held at the Red Rocks Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada!!

A final creative session occurred in which we worked on layouts related to our Heritage (following speakers on the topic) we got ready for the Awards Banquet dinner and dance to close out convention. 

The evening included Awards for consultants, including longevity, team and individual sales, recognitions and a top notch performance by Alex Boye. 

I received an award charm for my 5 years as an active consultant (which I was surprised by because I hadn't realized I've been involved that LONG already!  

(I didn't have to go on stage, however Tricia did, as she celebrated 15 YEARS and was presented with a beautiful heart pin with charm.) 

All in all, what an amazing time and experience. I came away with more than one "story-ish" memories, including the 5K that was never run!  Now that I'm home, after cleaning up the craft room the crafting will begin AGAIN. I've been stale for the past year and really needed to be rejuvenated and I was! I am passionate about my memories....my stories....my experiences, and I can't wait to tell my Story in a number of "story-ish" ways!   

I would love to have you join my team, joining is EASY, and then you can join us in Las Vegas next year!  All you have to do is join my team at www.jenniferdistler.ctmh.com and YOU too can begin telling YOUR STORY!!!

Just a little pic of me :) Happy Place

Ready for the Awards Banquet

Creating! 

Look at all those Creative Minds!
@ Creative Session

Early Bird Special for NEW Consultants!

Get new products FREE by signing up as a Consultant!

Join the Close To My Heart family as a Consultant this month and get your choice of a FREE Fundamentals paper packet* and its coordinating Complements. These brand new products won’t be released to the public until August, so joining today is your chance to get them first! When you sign up, you’ll also get $50 in Select Product Credit to spend on more new products, including the newest stamps, paper packets, and cardstock colors. Contact me to find out how to join myTeam today!

Last Flash Sale

Make sure you get in on this Flash Sale!  This weekend, starting tomorrow, Friday, June 24th at 3pm (MDT) CTMH will have their final flash sale!  This is amazing, it includes small "bundles" of retiring products at reduced pricing.  The retired list for stamp sets and paper packs is now available along with home decor and other items.

Keep in touch....July 1 I will be able to share Sneak Peeks from the all new Annual Inspirations catalog which will go LIVE to you August 1st.  I unfortunately was unable to attend the annual convention this year, which is currently being held at the Coronado Springs Resort in Walt Disney World, Florida.

I am so bummed I wasn't able to attend....but I'm following a private sneak peek group on Facebook and am LOVING all the new products so far that I've seen! Any true crafter/scrapper is going to love the new catalog.

As I was unable to attend convention, I am not sure if I will be holding my Annual Sneak Peek open house. One of the amazing perks of being a consultant and attending convention is the opportunity to buy many of the new products in bundles at special pricing. Having attending convention the last 3 years, I've been able to purchase these bundles which have allowed me to bring the products to you to see, hold, touch...and yes smell! early and en masse. This year, unfortunately I will not have the privilege to do so, and am still trying to figure out just how to introduce the new catalog to you! So STAY TUNED!!!  

Happy Spring!!!

HAPPY SPRING!!!


With Spring upon us, I thought I would offer a Fresh and New option to the Monthly Club!

Sign up now for my NEW Monthly Club!  For just 3 months starting in May through July, along with receiving a FREE item of your choice up to a $6.95 value I will give you a FREE paper pack of your choice ($9.95 value) just for signing up!   

Just in time for the launch of the NEW Seasonal Expressions II catalog as well!!!  With your first order you will receive a FREE copy of the new catalog.

How does it work? 

You are making a commitment to order $30 in product (before tax/shipping & handling), with each monthly order due by the 25th you receive a FREE item of your choice up to $6.95 value.  This is a great way to start building or adding to your ink stash, makers, embellishments, etc. You could choose 2 M size stamps or one of our amazing A size stamps perfect for beginning card making!  

Right now, if you commit before May 5th, I will include a sign up bonus of a FREE paper pack of YOUR CHOICE valued at $9.95. 

Each month you place your order online and items are shipped directly to you. You email me your FREEBIE for the month and I send it to you.  

What's better than FREE????!!!

IF you're interested, please send me an email by May 5th, and that's your sign up. Easy Peasy!!!   Please share with your friends, if you and your friend BOTH join choose a 2nd paperpack for FREE.  That's 2! 

Also, in May with an eligible $60 order you can receive an Exclusive PaperPack from CTMH FREE as well! The Happy Times pack will only be available while supplies last, its gorgeous!  I've attached the flyer so you can peek!!!   There's also an amazing corresponding D size stamp set available for just $17.95

Sneak Peek and Reveal!

As with every new idea book, I'm so excited to share it with you! I am officially kicking off the release of the new 2015/16 Annual Inspirations Idea Book AND the Holiday Expressions book at my Annual Sneak Peak & Idea Book Reveal Party Stop by for a few minutes or stay the whole time...I will have new products, free Make 'n Takes (pics below), TONS of giveaways, order incentives and cash & carry products. 

Hope to see you here! The open house will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. so feel free to come whenever it best suits your schedule. 

So what’s the scoop?

Bring a participating guest to have your name entered into a special, separate drawing for a free stamp set.

Creation Stations to make two free projects.

View completed samples for upcoming workshops.

Find out about the newest perks for “club” members and upcoming workshops. 

Check out some of the newest products CTMH has to offer.

Door prizes will be given out! 

Mimosas and continental breakfast! 

Explore all that CTMH has to offer !

Grand Prize drawing! ($25 product order) Earn one ticket for just showing up!

Receive extra entries into a Grand Prize drawing by 

- 1 entry when you RSVP “Yes” by August 25th.

- 1 entry for every $10 you spend. (For example, spend $48, get 4 tickets; spend $52, get 5 tickets.)

- 2 entries for each participating friend that you bring (or refer) to the Sneak Peak and Reveal Party.

- 3 entries for signing up and prepaying for any upcoming workshops

CTMH is continuing with a single annual catalog that will be good for a whole year, with 2 mini-seasonal catalogs in the fall and spring AND a special Holiday catalog effective Sept - December! 

We had an amazing turn out last year...plenty of fun and tons of new friends made!!!

Whew....

Whew...I wish I could say I had a whirlwind end to my summer, but that's not the case. :( Since returning from Convention, I have been pretty tired and spent most of that week catching up on sleep since my days were full while in Disney. Early mornings and late nights and all the excitement made for very little good sleep. I was hoping to get to this "recap" of Convention much earlier, and life just got in the way. Again. Since Convention, we've had friends come to visit and been tidying the house, and then I fell ill which has consumed me the last week. Three trips to the doctor and let's just say I'm finally feeling better. Been back at work and the new school year for 2 weeks already....holy cow, summer flew by. 

Anyhow, let's get into the nitty gritty of excitement of convention. I wasn't sure I was going to go, but finally convinced myself and as has been the experience in the past two years I'm so glad I did! I was pretty much "on my own," this year, my sister wasn't able to make it and my sister-in-law was smashing in a vacation generated by my brother at the same time. I did get to spend some time with them, and my niece and nephew IN Disneyland, so for that I am as always, ever grateful. 

I think I am finally ready to get back into a normal routine, as much as I enjoy the perks of summer off, I think I thrive with structure! My head is full of new ideas, and a resurgence of energy for CTMH and all the wonders that it holds. Having convention in Disney is powerful, as we all know Disney is driven and full of imagination! 

I arrived on Wednesday to LAX, a bit early, because I had planned to spend some time in Downtown Disney before evening events started. Once I was checked into the Disneyland Hotel I freshened up and headed downtown. I hit the World of Disney store, proactively buying souveniers before I got caught up in convention madness, and ate a late lunch at the House of Blues. My new "roomie" checked in and we grabbed a couple drinks there as well then we headed off to the Stampers with Attitude Team Meeting. Our Executive Director, Kim Moss, did not let us down, between herself and her first downlines they presented great business building ideas and much more to share to jump start convention! Spent some time catching up with my sister in law, Trish...and headed to bed early (for the only time that week!)

The Disney movie "UP" was used as inspiration to support CTMH's theme of "Make It From Your Heart." Let me tell you, this is one of my very favorite movies and I was almost brought to tears when these guys were the first on scene opening convention on Thursday, July 9th. 

The day was fabulous. Not only does CTMH do a GREAT job in inspiring and teaching us they present everything with top rate shows and tons of pizzaz. 

In addition to a great opening show, we received the brand new Annual Inspirations Idea Book that will go live to customers, on September 1. As tradition holds, we received an amazing new product bag  

(a convention exclusive), the new catalog and goodies for the first few creative session projects!

SNEAK PEAK

Friday, July 10:  It was another great day of excitement and inspiration.  CTMH surprised us with a brand new mini-catalog called "Holiday Expressions" that will go live with the annual catalog on September 1, its stocked full of amazing Autumn and Winter holiday goodies.  There was Holiday music & snow!!!!   We had Extravaganza where you go from mini session to mini session where CTMH guru's introduce and showcase products they've made with all the new goodies!!!! 

Friday evening yet another amazing awards banquet. I love watching Teams be celebrated and awards handed out. And the food is oh so yummy! 

Saturday, July 11:  Saturday was the last day of Convention. This is my favorite day because of what is offered, and the saddest, because it all ends until next year.  I LOVE the Product Showcase! Its an opportunity again, to get up and close with a few of the products and see how those CTMH guru's come up with and make their wonderful creations and its time for additional creative sessions! 

Intermingled into this all I went into DISNEYLAND and CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE with my family!   SOO much fun! Stay tuned! 

Amplifies Why I Love Close to my Heart

Summer Crush

During the month of June, when you purchase any My Crush® book and its accompanying assortment pictured in Annual Inspirations 2014–2015, you will receive the coordinating stamp set FREE! That is a savings of at least $9.95 USD/$10.95 CAD! Choose from five lovely My Crush book offerings that will provide a swoon-worthy background for your favorite memories. From family reunions to camping adventures to holiday countdowns—and much more—you will be crushing on all these books and the possibilities they provide. This offer is only available while supplies last* and once they’re gone, these books are gone for good, so put your orders in early to get your summer romance rolling today!

Follow this link for even more details!!!

Summer Crush

Open Crop

I will be holding an Open Crop on Friday, June 26th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.

• Bring whatever project you're working on and play around with CTMH stamps, inks and more! I will have the Cricut out for everyone to use. If you have a scrapbook work lamp I encourage you to bring it! 
• These are always great nights to meet new people and get some crafting done!  
• If you place a CTMH order with me this evening of $50 or more, you can choose a FREE paper pack on ME!  You're $50 order also qualifies you to receive the June Stamp of the Month for only $5!!  

Email me for details on location! 

CTMH just gets better....and better!

Our new line of My Legacy albums has just been launched!  These are so pretty and right up my alley!

I'm also super excited about November's Constant Campaign....ONLY $5 for Studio J layouts!

These trendy canvas albums have 1½" D-ring 

or post-bound bindings perfect for holding 

12" x 12" projects. The D-ring style is great for 

projects using divided Memory Protectors™ 

such as Picture My Life™ layouts. 

The post-bound style is ideal for showcasing 

classic 12" x 12" scrapbook layouts side by side 

in Memory Protectors featuring the lay-flat 

seam. Its sturdy binding is ideal for securing 

thicker layouts.

With both styles, Memory Protector capacity 

varies depending on thickness and weight of 

layouts. Albums are non-expandable.

Oh...and I have told you how EXCITED I am about the A La Carte PML cards???   Perfectly pair your D-ring albums with our new A la Carte Picture My Life™ scrapbooking 

programs. They feature the same cards as shown in Annual Inspirations on pages 

146–149, but are now sold at a lower price and without Memory Protectors™ or a 12" x 12" 

designed cover sheet!   Here's a sneak peek at the PML from the new (not released yet) Seasonal Expressions I Catalog!

OMG....been back at work for a little over a month and I cannot believe how busy life is. I miss leisurely crafting and scrapbooking!  I have to get better about scrapping weekly for myself. I just get so busy!  And tired!  LOL

I am hosting an Open Crop this Sunday...yes, I know, Football, right? One of my greatest LOVES! During which I also do some of my best scrapbooking. Now, I will have on Football, of course the Broncos game, and I will be keeping up on the Bills score as well!

But please, come join me, have a drink, scrap, relax, laugh and well...just have fun!!!

Don't forget this months Constant Campaign, spend $30 in stamp sets and get the AMAZING 30 Years of Happy stamp set for....you guessed it! FREE!!!  
I just got mine and its adorable, awesome and amazing!

Join a monthly club for amazing perks!  I will have a signup special in October that isn't too be missed! So stay tuned!

Happy National Stamping Month!!!

September is National Stamping Month, and Close To My Heart is ready to celebrate all month long! When you spend $30 on any current retail-priced stamps during the month of September, you qualify to receive the exclusive C-sized stamp set #30yearsofhappy for FREE! 

This exclusive stamp set features 30 mini images and sentiments perfectly suited for 30 days of happy stamping! Plus, make sure you check out Close To My Heart’s Facebook page and Instagram during September to follow all the ways we’re celebrating #30yearsofhappy for a full 30 days!

Bring on Football and Scrapbooking!

Summer's over for me....back to work. I love coming home from convention and being totally excited and pumped...and I hate going back to work because I temporarily lose my energy.  But Back to Work means a new "old" routine. And Fall brings FOOTBALL.  While Brian (my husband) is busy working Turf at Sports Authority stadium for the Broncos I will be SCRAPBOOKING!!!   I love my football, either in a bar with a beer or at home scrapping. I seem to get so much done this time of the year.

I have so many pictures to print off still from Disney and Vegas....and tons of our puppies!  The little one is a FREAK!  I think we can teach him Parkour, he seems to enjoy bouncing off anything, over and under and spinning around.

Anyhow, I have another OPEN CROP this weekend!  Saturday, August 23rd from 11 to 2pm. Come and join me!

Picture My Life!

Okay, I am so into this....I peeked around the internet and some blogs and got VERY excited about Picture My Life layouts and thinking outside of the box. I own one PML kit...and to be honest, i've done very little with it. I made a small 3x3 type scrapbook with some of the cards and a picture box, but that's been the extent. After perusing fellow CTMH consultants for ideas I'm now inspired, and just trying to decide which PML kit to order next. And I am totally taking advantage of our August Constant Campaign!!!

During the month of August, when you purchase any of the 13 available Picture My Life™ scrapbooking programs featured in the 2014–2015 Annual Inspirations idea book at their full retail price of $24.95 USD / $27.50 CAD, you are eligible to add your choice of 1 of 8 qualifying Memory Protectors™ 10-packs for just $3.00! Each Picture My Life scrapbooking program already includes a coordinating 10-pack of Memory Protectors, so when you add your additional 10-pack for only $3.00 you will be well on your way to your own picture-perfect pocket scrapbooking adventure!

Base & Bling

I absolutely love the Base & Bling collection from Close to My Heart, and estatic that they added to this collection in the new Annual Inspirations 2014/15 Catalog! The Base & Bling collection includes Rectangle and Oval pendants now in addition to the Square and Round pendants that were previously available. They've also added two new sets of charms, along with two new sheets of stickers for your pendants and other items you create. There is now, in addition to the necklaces and Cuff Bracelet that is available in both Silver and Antiqued gold. In fact, all the accessories are available in silver and antique gold. I think its amazing that when you buy a set of charms you get them in both colors; and they are so inexpensive! I have already made several gifts for others who absolutely adore the jewelry! I will be holding a Base and Bling workshop in December; just in time for Christmas! So stay tuned and keep following!

Re-created a Pinterest pin, finally!

OOO...I am getting so excited for my Open House next week Saturday, August 2nd!  I hope everyone has an opportunity just to stop by!

A friend asked for help with an anniversary gift for her husband, they were celebrating 5 years. The traditional gift for a 5th anniversary is paper...so of course I said I could help!  I'm trying not to just be "a pinner" on Pinterest, but actually re-create some of those things I absolutely fall in love with

Here's what we created!

It is a black shadow box, black cardstock for the background, and we punched out words from the dictionary that she felt described their marriage and them as a couple. We made 2, one for her anniversary, the other for wedding gift. The background we used for the Wedding gift was Lagoon...very similar to her wedding colors!