CTMH Team Builders in Salt Lake City

Last weekend I was blessed to attend Close To My Heart’s Team Builder’s Conference in Salt Lake City. It was a fabulous time spent with top leaders in the company. I love attending CTMH events but these and some others are fabulous because of the small and intimate setting. It truly allows for great networking with fellow Consultants and the home office staff.

This is a fun photo of all who attended, holding up hearts, of course.

We enjoyed 2 ¼ days of training filled with both business and creative classes taught by staff members and consultants. The information shared was practical and I am excited to plug them in to move forward in continuing to build a successful business while supporting my team members.

It is so fabulous to be close friends with the Executive Team.  This is Monica Wihongi who is the Chief Operating Officer for CTMH.  Love this lady tons!

This is me with my upline, Michelle, who has been a blessing with my business.

I am part of this team called Stampers with an Attitude led by Kimberly (in the black and red top on the right).  These ladies are members of that team from all over the country.  I am in Kim's second downline.

One of the highlights of Salt Lake, and almost a trademark of CTMH, is Waffle Love. It is a mobile food truck that joined us at the event on Saturday afternoon. We stood in line while it was snowing ( a perfect setting) and placed our order for a waffle of our choice. There are many yummy ones to choose from and we were treated to them by CTMH. Isn’t that wonderful?! It was awesome and so tasty; definitely a special treat.

You can see the snow falling if you look closely.  Love that it was caught in the photo.

Yep, you guessed it!  Had to take a photo with this yummy delight before it was no longer.  LOL

I love being able to attend trainings like this – that allow me to visit places throughout the country for a few days – that are write-offs for my business. Yep, you read that right! My flight, hotel, food, etc. is all a write-off on my taxes because they support my business. Isn’t that awesome?! Just another bonus for being a Consultant for a company that I love and believe in 100%.

This is another dear friend who admire, Tiffany Young, who is the Events Manager for CTMH.

Oh yeah!  Totally have to make mention of this!  LOL  When I arrived in Salt Lake, I thought I would check out who the Jazz were playing just because I was close to the arena.  And low and behold...LOL...when I checked, the Lakers were going to be in town!  How coincidental that Kobe would decide to visit while I was there so you guessed it!  I attended the game and got some great photos!  It was awesome having a surprise opportunity to see him play one last time.  So I digress...focus, focus, focus.  :)

If you would like to join me on this fun journey, contact me today! I am looking for some new team members who I would love to support whether you do so to save money on your purchases or want to make this a part or full-time business. That decision is totally yours!  You can click HERE for details regarding our Consultant kit.

 It is great to be home but I had a fabulous time and look forward to having a successful year with CTMH and am gearing up for another training in Houston on March 19^th and Convention in Walt Disney World in June! Why not join me?!   

Had a blast at Convention!

You may have noticed that I've been absent from blogging since the end of the school year.  There has been a lot going on including writing a Geometry curriculum, preparing to move and getting ready for Convention.  The next week or so will bring a frenzy of things to do but I won't go too far, I promise.  (Thank goodness for being able to schedule posts. LOL)

If you're a friend of mine on Facebook you have seen some fun photos of me and other Consultant friends who celebrated BIG time in Dallas this past weekend at our annual Close To My Heart Convention.  There's no better time to come together with those who share the same passion as I for papercrafting and for Close To My Heart's exclusive products.

There are some fabulous new products, program enhancements (to Studio J) and some fabulous upcoming campaigns that are exciting, not to mention a beautiful new Idea Book which will debut on August 1st!  Watch my posts with these exciting announcements!

Today I would just like to share a few of my favorite photos from the event starting with our Opening Day on Thursday... 

Directors were given these CUTE signs with our team names as we started off Convention with a Texas-sized parade!

On Wednesday evening we had a Texas-sized team celebration at Original Market Diner in Dallas (photos to come soon) and each attendee was given several fun treats.  One of the goodies were these white cowboy hats given to everyone by Angie Esquibell.  That evening the girls had the opportunity to bling them out, perfect for wearing with our team shirts on Thursday.  

Tawnya and Michelle during a Create 'n Take session.

Kimberly and Cyndi taking a break from creating.

Xellina and Marianne enjoying the creating!

Amanda and Kristi working on a layout.

Windy and Christy with their cute hats.

My Mom and I perusing the new Idea Book.

Mary and I just taking a moment for a pose.  (I love this picture!)

And then...before breaking for the day many of my team members and adoptees took a moment to pose for this fun picture!  How fun is that?!  Talk about a party waiting to happen with the ladies in this photo! I love my girls!

There are more event photos to include along with some great information so stay tuned!

Convention Fever is in the Air!

53 days remain until Close To My Heart invades Dallas, TX in celebration of our annual National Convention.  Initial plans are underway for team fun and we are going to party Texas-style!  You know the saying..."Everything's BIGGER in Texas!"

In reflecting back over Convention 2011, held at the Disneyland Hotel (Anaheim, CA), I found myself browsing through last year's Convention CD.  In it, I was amazed to find several photos of me and my team members.  Too fun!

Lulu, Marianne, and Grisselda at General Session

Me as part of the presentation panel for a break-out class.
(I'm to the immediate left of the girl standing.  Third  person from the left in the back row.)

Awww...my team members/Consultant friends.
(L to R - front row and then back row:  Judy  Faye, Lulu, Grisselda, Michelle, Tawnya and Cherri)

Here I am at the Director's Dinner.  Our Mickey ears were a gift and served as our place cards.
(I'm the second one from the left.)

My first downline, and Director, Joy, at the Director's Dinner.
(She is first one from right in front row.)

Joy and I on Leadership Day.  Awww...

My great friend Sheila and I.  Awww...

For those of you joining us this year - whether you've attended before or not - get ready for the biggest celebration ever as we gather at the Anatole Hotel, Dallas!  I can't wait to par-tay with my team members and Consultants friends!  Dallas...HERE WE COME!

With my spurs and boots on,

National Scrapbook Day Event

I am fresh and rejuvenated today after spending the weekend croppin' with my scrapbooking friends and team members in celebration of National Scrapbook Day.

We gathered at my friend Angie's retreat and on Saturday...there were 20 of us scrappin'!  It was a great time and just what I needed.

As hostess, I usually try and make a few goodies for my guests and I am thankful that I pulled through with some easy but goodies.  LOL

This is a sticky note holder made with the Cricut, using our exclusive Art Philosophy cartridge.  I followed the directions from my friend Pamela O'Connor's blog.  It was super easy, came together super quick and is purposeful.  Gotta love when all those things come together for a fun treat!

Upon arrival, each guest had this place card sitting at their spot.  I should have taken a side view photo of it as there are three Hershey's kisses housed inside.  This idea came from a retreat favor made by a team adoptee, Wanda Cincar.

And lastly...this cute little purse, which holds a Hershey's Nugget, is perfect for this time of the year, especially with Mother's Day around the corner.  It would make a cute favor for a tea, baby shower, etc.  I believe I first saw this made by my friend, Debi McBain, and I have created it a couple of times since.

All of these items were made using our May-exclusive "Dotty for You" paper packet (only available through the end of the month).

Everyone seemed to love their goodies and I am thankful.  I love making things that put a smile on the faces of those who receive them.  

I had a fabulous weekend and am thankful to Angie for allowing us to invade the house!  

Happy Monday,

Dotty meets Roxie

I have already shared that I am in love with the Dotty for You paper packet, available only through the end of May and in honor of National Scrapbook Month.

Since getting the paper packet, I have enjoyed creating items using it and one of the challenges issued by my friend, Sheila Wilkerson, was to create an item using this new paper packet while incorporating it into a current pack.  I chose to use the animal print B&T from the Roxie paper packet.

I incorporated the Lagoon polka dot pattern from the Dotty packet as well as some Lagoon, Black and Desert Sand cardstock.  The "turquoisy" color in the pictures from Convention, the day we wore our team shirts, seemed to compliment this color choice perfectly and...I hope you agree!

Last year's Convention was held in Anaheim, CA and I had a wonderful time sharing this event with my friends, team members, and Mom.  We (my Mom and I) took advantage of an opportunity to take a photo with Karen Morris.  She is both my 3rd upline and the leader of the top team in the company, the "Dream Team".

The smiles on our faces show our enjoyment of our time together and I look forward to many more smiles and memories this summer in Dallas, TX!

Scrappin' the day away,

Need a CUTE Shopping List?

Wow!  Life really set in when school returned to session.  It has been a blessed year but extremely BUSY!  I have my hands in quite a few things - from church obligations to Close To My Heart activities, spending time with my hubby and just life's everyday happenings.

I am not creating as often as I would like - I would do so everyday from sun up to sun down if I had the chance (lol) - but I am still creating.  However, I have neglected posting my creations so I'm going to get caught up and be better about sharing my artwork with you.

I am thrilled to be working closely with one of my friends, Angie, who has a little croppin' spot in south Arlington.  Later this month, I am offering this cute notepad as a FREE workshop if you join us for a Friday evening crop (otherwise it's just $5)!

I love the NEW Believer paper packet!  It screams some fun holiday colors but could be incorporated into other themes as well.  Of course, it works GREAT with this month's Stamp of the Month, "Holiday Magic". 

These spiral notepads are fun to decorate - and easy, too - and you gotta love having a coordinating pen to match!  I figure this is a great time to start making out your Christmas list and this will definitely serve that purpose.

If you live in the Dallas area, contact me for additional details about attending the event on Friday, October 28th beginning at 5 p.m. 

Open House - THIS Saturday, August 13th

Open House - S. Arlington, TX
Cost:  FREE
When:  Saturday, August 13th - 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Where:  Angie's Scrapbooking Shop, 5720 Forest Bend Drive Suite 101, Arlington, TX 76017
No RSVP is needed but it is greatly appreciated.  If you RSVP by Thursday, August 11th, I will have an extra "goodie" for you as appreciation for your thoughtfulness. 

Close To My Heart has released their new catalog and since we can’t contain ourselves, I am co-hosting an Open House at Angie’s Scrapbooking Shop on Saturday August 13^th from 1 – 5 pm. Be one of the first people to come see, touch and feel many of the new products!

We are offering the following:

• New Catalog introduction, review of new products & FREE Make & Take – on the hour! 
• Demos of the new Cricut Cartridge – on the half-hour! The Cricut Art Philosophy Collection bundle has stamps and chipboard shapes to coordinate, not to mention the fabulous flowers that you can make!
• Door prizes - every half hour!
• First 10 guests to arrive receive a free gift!
• Grand Prize to the person who brings the most guests and crops for the day!  (Just $15 to crop! CROP SPACE IS LIMITED SO PLEASE RSVP IMMEDIATELY FOR THIS.)

I look forward to seeing you there!

Thankful for my "ears"...

Mickey ears, that is!

One of the events I have looked forward to, since becoming a Director with Close To My Heart, is being treated to dinner and some fun during our National Conventions.  This is just one of the perks of being a leader in this awesome company.

Upon arriving at this year's dinner, our places were reserved with Mickey ears which had been embroidered with our name!  I was so surprised to see such a cool "place card", completely fitting for the location of our Convention, Disneyland!  To accompany our "ears, we also had a beautiful, handmade card - decorated with rosettes made from our NEW exclusive Cricut Cartridge (stay tuned for more fun artwork made with it) - which contained our Twilight pass to California Adventure!  Being a junkie for amusement parks, I could not have been more happy. 

We were treated to a delicious dinner and dessert and then I met up with some friends and headed over to the park.  We had some time to play and then were to receive a VIP viewing of the "World of Color". So, off we went to play!  I was thrilled that all of us liked thrill-rides so we were sure to catch several of them!

My downline, Joy and I, with sportin' our Mickey ears.

Fellow Directors, Tiffany, Sharryl and Joy as we wait in line for the Little Mermaid.

Joy and Sharryl in their seashells, awaiting Ariel's adventure.

Sharryl and I became action figures for 2 minutes.

And then we met up with all other Directors for a rice krispy treat, shaped like Mickey - his ears dipped in chocolate, for the World of Color viewing.  It was phenomenal! 

Thanks to Close to My Heart for making this journey a wonderful one.  If you would like to become a Consultant and eventual Director with CTMH, I'd love to share the opportunity with you!  

Team Breakfast at Convention

There is no better place to kick off Convention with breakfast with my team members and friends!

Maria Elena, Karen, Melissa, Joy, Michelle, Grissell, Lulu, Tawnya, Cherri, Debi, Debbie, Sheila, Lisa & Marianne

We joined Thursday morning at the Tangoroa Terrace (Disneyland Hotel) for some fellowship in anticipation of the new Idea Book and product release to take place in a couple of hours!  We had a great time laughing and enjoying the good breakfast.  The highlight was Joy receiving THREE PLATES of scrambled eggs instead of three eggs!  We all found it quite comical. 

Here are some fun photos from the breakfast.

Grissell, Tawnya, & Cherri

Debi, Debbie & Sheila

Lisa, Maria Elena, & Marianne

Joy, Michelle & Grissell

Melissa, Joy, Maria Elena, & Michelle

Debi & Debbie sportin' their ears

Michelle, Grissell, Tawnya, Cherri & Lulu

Lulu & Marianne

Join us at Convention 2012, in Dallas, where we are sure to have a Texas-sized team celebration!  You have to be a team member to participate!  SIGN UP NOW!  :0)