Blog Candy from Close To My Heart's Summer 2010 Idea Book

How are you liking Studio J? I hope you have taken a little time to play with Close To My Heart's new digital offering! If not, click here and give it a try. It's totally FREE to play! And, I have a little bit of blog candy to share today! If you play with Studio J and then leave a comment here on this post about your experience (what you loved about it, any questions you have, etc.), you will go in a drawing for an envelope full of $25 worth of product from Close To My Heart's Summer 2010 Idea Book, which will debut TOMORROW, May 1 right here on my blog (look on the left side). I'll be drawing on MONDAY, May 3...so check back then for the big announcement. It could be YOU!

I have some fabulous artwork to share with you today made with a smattering of gorgeous new products from the new Idea Book. In case you missed my earlier announcement, that book debuts tomorrow! You'll be able to view it page by page here on Saturday, May 1. Just look for the photo of the cover on the left side of my blog, like the one at the top of this post and click on that. Then, once you make your wish list, you can hop on over to my website and order some of the brand new goodies there.

These beautiful cards were made by five of my Close To My Heart team members. I have the world's greatest team! Bravo, ladies on a wonderful job!

As you read about each card below, you will notice order numbers of several of the items these wonderful artists have used. They are not links because the Idea Book does not go live until tomorrow, but if you jot down the numbers you can check them out tomorrow when you start looking. I will include the page number they are on in the book next to the order numbers.

This gorgeous card was made by Carolynn Hale using the brand new summery Splendor papers (X7124B, pg 14) and the darling new Over The Rainbow stamp set (D1426, pg 15). The inside of the card says, "over the rainbow..." Remember how I mentioned a day or two ago how 'in' clouds are right now in the papercrafting industry? Not only does the Splendor Paper Pack feature a beautiful cloud printed B&T paper, but the Over The Rainbow stamp set includes two fluffy ones as well.

This bright and cheery card was made by Jennifer Critchlow. Jennifer used some of the B&T paper from the brand new Zippidee Paper Pack (X7125B, pg 18). It's a perfect kit for Disney photos, but also for anything else bright and cheery. She also used the new Hit The Spot stamp Set (C1406, pg 19).
As you look at these cards today, you'll be able to tell that a favorite new paper pack of my team is Splendor (X7124B, pg 14). This one by Maria Van Adrighem features not only the Splendor papers but also the matching new Splendor brads (Z1317, pg 92). The "hello friend" sentiment came from the Hot Diggity stamp set (C1407, pg 15). Love this, Maria!
Moving from cute and fun to elegant, I'm pleased to share this card made by Trisha Morton with you. Trisha used the new Passages Paper Pack (X7126B, pg 22) and the Live Inspired stamp set (C1408, pg 23). Passages is a perfect kit to use to scrap those European vacation pics, among so many other things. I plan to use it to scrap a lot of my boys' photos. Very masculine and elegant. Great job, Trisha!
Kate Ware also chose to use Splendor (X7124B, pg 14) and the Hot Diggity stamp set (C1407, pg 15) for her card. So darn cute! I hope you can see in the photo that Kate also used another great new product that we will be carrying in this new Idea Book, Clear Cards (Z1309, pg 96). They come in a package of 8...4 square cards and 4 scalloped circle cards, and they also include clear evenlopes. If you look closely at the photo, I think you can see that Kate chose to put her happy little frog and two circles on the front of the clear card and her B&T paper and sentiment on the inside. Clever, Kate!

A Day with Daci

I'm excited that my little granddaughter, Daci will be here any minute. Her mommy and daddy are in Chicago this week looking for housing for when they move (which I refuse to think about) so I get to play with Daci all day today and tomorrow.

I love this little photo. Last week the boys were playing keep away out in the yard with Daci. She was not happy that she couldn't get her hands on that football. When she did finally get it she was not about to give it up.

By the way, if you are a Facebooker, I have taken the plunge. I'd love to have you be my 'friend.' I am registered on Facebook as Karen Overstreet Pedersen.

More Splendor from Close To My Heart

Yesterday I shared a photo of a beautiful layout created with the brand new (being released on May 1) Splendor Kit. Did I wet your whistle for some new products a little? I hope so!

I'm so excited for Saturday when you can actually see the new Close To My Heart Summer 2010 Idea Book on my blog and look inside and see the Splendor kit, as well as the new Cherry-O kit (click here and here to see some artwork that I've already shown you with that kit), and 2 other new kits: Passages and Zippidee.

I spent the day designing my Play Group scrapbook classes for July in which we will be using the Zippidee Kit. The Zippidee collection is perfect for Disneyland photos. I have the best job in the world! I can't wait to show you the June (made with Cherry-O) and July Play Group projects soon.

In the meantime, I thought I'd share some more Splendor artwork today. Have you noticed that so much of the papercrafting artwork you are seeing in magazines and on many scrapbooking sites are featuring clouds? Well, Splendor brings you some nice, fluffy, white ones! The colors in this summery kit are Goldrush, Heavenly Blue, Moonstruck and Topiary. It makes me want to pack a picnic and go to the park!

By the way, did you go to my website and play (for free!) with Studio J yesterday? I'd love to hear what you thought! If you haven't yet, go give it a try. You'll want to be sure and create an account so your projects are saved for when you want to purchase them. You're gonna love it, baby!

2 Studios: Studio J and Studio 5 (Puddle Pads)

I have two "Studios" to talk about today.

1. Let's start with Studio J. Today is the day! Studio J (Close To My Heart's answer to digital scrapbooking) went live on my website (http://leavealegacy.myctmh.com) this morning. Be sure you create an account so your layouts will be saved for 9o days. Don't worry...it's free until you decide to place an order. Just click on the "Studio J Online Scrapbooking" tab once you reach my homepage and the rest is easy, peasy, lemon squeasy! If you have any questions, please email me (pedermom@aol.com).

2. Now on to the second 'studio' I want to talk about today...here in Utah, our local NBC station (www.ksl.com) has an awesome mid-day show called "Studio 5." Click here to watch the clip. It's only about 3 minutes long and oh-so-much-fun! Studio 5 is a great show and recently they featured Close To My Heart and the same fun technique you learned on the "Live Your Dreams" webisode of Art and Soul this month, PUDDLE PADS. So, if you have about 15 minutes, you'll have time to watch both. This Art and Soul webisode is just over 12 minutes long.

So, the moral of the story is "Get Studio" today...Studio J and Studio 5.

I didn't really have a photo to share today to go with my 'studios' so I thought I'd share a bit of artwork using new products that go live in the Close To My Heart Summer 2010 Idea Book on May 1. You'll be able to see it right here on the left side of my blog beginning May 1 (Saturday). This artwork is created using the darling new "Splendor" kit (we'll be using this kit and colors in my August Play Group scrapbooking classes!). Feel free to click on the layout to see it larger. Yummy!

Studio J...TOMORROW!

Tomorrow (Tuesday, April 27) is the BIG DAY...Studio J launches at 8 am (MDT). Goody, goody, gum drops! You won't want to miss it. I know you are going to LOVE it as much as I do. Just look at this beautiful layout and you can begin to imagine the possibilities.

For details on this brand new digital (which we call 'studio') scrapbooking program from Close To My Heart, click here to go to my post announcing it from a couple of days ago. I have also included a few more questions and answers at the end of today's post. Studio scrapbooking is for EVERYONE: those who already love to scrap with papers and embellishments will love adding this to their repertoire, those who already enjoy scrapping digitally will be blown away by this new program, and those who have never scrapbooked now have a great reason to try! See what I mean...EVERYONE!

There is a short and informative video that you can watch here. I have also included several questions and answers at the end of this post that you might want to go over.

When the clock strikes 8 am (MDT) tomorrow morning, you can try out this new program by heading to my website by clicking here and then clicking on the new "Studio J" tab that you'll see on my home page. Feel free to email me with ANY questions (pedermom@aol.com). I am here to help! Also, if you think this is something several of your friend will like, I am more than happy to come and do a demonstration at your home for your group. Just email me for that as well (pedermom@aol.com).

Questions and Answers:

• What is Studio J™ Design Software?
  Studio J™ is free online scrapbooking design software brought to you by Close To My Heart. Studio J helps you easily create custom-printed two-page layouts using our foundational scrapbook patterns, exclusive color palette, and themed designs all delivered in 12" × 12" custom prints ready for your albums. It’s a snap!

• Is Studio J easy to use?
  Studio J software is extremely intuitive and easy to use. The program walks you through five steps that include:
  1. uploading your photos;
  2. choosing your desired themed kit;
  3. selecting an exclusive layout pattern;
  4. adding photos, embellishments, titles, and journaling;
  5. and purchasing custom-printed layouts ready for a cherished album.

• I love Close To My Heart products. Will Studio J use the same great papers, patterns, colors, and embellishments?
  Of course! If you love Close To My Heart’s scrapbooking philosophy, then you will love Studio J.

• Do I need to download any software to my computer to use Studio J?
  Not at all! You only need an Internet connection, and then you simply log in to your Consultant’s MyCTMH website to get started. Feel free to design to your heart’s content—you are not required to buy anything or provide any personal information to get started!

• Can I save what I am working on and come back to it later?
  You bet! You can create a customer profile that allows you to save and return to a project in progress at a later time. Your active projects will be saved for up to 90 days, giving you plenty of time to work on them. You extend that timeline for your active projects by 90 days each time you make a purchase, and your purchased projects will remain archived for one full year after purchase.

• Do I need a printer that can print 12" × 12" pages to use Studio J?
  No. Your Studio J layouts are not available for you to print from a home computer. In fact, we take care of the printing for you. When you purchase your designed layouts, we print and ship them quickly and directly to you using only top quality printing technology and archival-quality papers.

• What is the price?
  You are not charged a thing until you order your custom prints. The price per printed two-page layout is $12.95. We also offer some fantastic rewards for larger orders. You can receive FREE Memory Protectors® to protect your layouts in your albums, and FREE shipping/handling based on the number of layout prints you purchase in a single order as follows:
  • For 5–9 layout purchases: You’ll receive a pack of 5 Memory Protectors FREE!
  • For 10–20 layout purchases: You’ll receive FREE shipping/handling PLUS a FREE pack of 5 Memory Protectors for every 5 layouts in your single order.
  
  
• When can I begin creating with Studio J?
  You will be able to start creating layouts with Studio J TOMORROW (Tuesday, April 27 at 8 am {MDT}).
  

May Play Group Pages (You Rock)

Layout One: "Be You"

Layout Two: "Grand Concert"

Layout Three: "Football Banquet"

I LOVE the fun and funky feel of these "You Rock" layouts (feel free to click on any photo to see it in more detail). Close To My Heart never fails to put together a great kit full of beautiful colors and patterns.

At my Play Group classes in May we will be making these 3 two-page 12" x 12" layouts. You can come to class (at my home in Highland, UT) or you can even participate long-distance (email me to find out how...pedermom@aol.com)

May's Play Group Class Dates and Times are (email me to sign up and purchase your kit if you haven't yet...pedermom@aol.com):

• Tuesday, May 4, from 10 am - 1 pm
• Tuesday, May 4, from 7 - 10 pm
• Wednesday, May 5, from 10 am - 1 pm
• Wednesday, May 5, from 7 - 10 pm

Shopping List (to attend Play Group you must purchase at least the Basic Package. I need your orders placed no later than April 29 in order to attend a class. Email me to order...pedermom@aol.com). If you are not familiar with how Play Group works, you can read a short summary on the left side of my blog.

Basic Kit:
You Rock Level 2 Paper Pack (X7122B) - $12.95
Top Coats Rockin' (Z1272)- $4.95
Mini-Medley Outdoor Denim Collection (Z1277) - $4.95
Bitty Sparkles (Z1263) - $2.95

Total: $29.61** (this is including shipping and tax)

Better Kit = Basic Kit plus the following:
Irresistibles Lots of Dots Letters (Z1261) - $7.95
Outdoor Denim Marker (Z2340) - $2.95
Outdoor Denim Stamp Pad (Z2140) - $5.25

Total: $44.68** (this is including shipping and tax)

Best Kit = Basic and Better Kits plus the following:
Sunflower Stamp Pad (Z2150) - $5.25
Goldrush Stamp Pad (Z2123) - $5.25
Black My Legacy Writers (4275) - $11.95
Rustic Alphabet (E1002) - $34.95

Total: $110.52*** (this is including shipping and tax)

**at this purchase level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month at 25% off ($17.21)
**at this purchase level you qualify for the Stamp of the Month at 75% off ($5.74)

Email me (pedermom@aol.com) to sign up for May Play Group Classes. Also, don't forget the AWESOME National Scrapbooking Month special ("Miracle") this month. You won't want to miss it!

Speaking of things not to miss, be sure to mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 27 at 8 am MDT. STUDIO J is going to be one of your new favorite things!

Shoot 4 the Stars

Be sure to check out yesterday's post if you haven't yet. It's good stuff!

Today I am excited to share a layout that I did that was featured at Creative Scrappers yesterday. It's Creative Scrappers birthday and to celebrate they have invited several readers to be guest artists. I was one of the lucky ones chosen. I was given an AWESOME sketch created by Katia Adams to work with. I chose to make it into a mirror image two page layout instead of a one page one. I used Tannon and his basketball season and accomplishments as my subject matter. Feel free to click on the photo to see it in more detail. Thank you, Kristine (Creative Scrappers creator) for choosing me!

Close To My Heart products used: Game On Level 2 Paper Pack (X7097B), Game On My Stickease (X7097C), Sweet Home Level 2 Paper Pack (X7116B), White Cardstock (1385), Dimensional Elements Fresh Shapes (Z1019), Dimensional Elements Monograms - S, H, O, T, A, R (Z1073, Z1062, Z1069, Z1074, Z1055, Z1072), Color Ready Alphabet Hodge Podge (X1406), Black Stamp Pad (Z2105), Chocolate Stamp Pad (Z2114), Round Sponge (Z697), Basketball Stamp Set (retired).

Non-CTMH products used: Heidi Swapp Ghost Stars, Scallop Scissors (brand unknown).

Click here to shop at my website 24/7...especially when you're shooting for the stars!

Studio J Release Date! BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

Do you have your calendar handy? How about a red pen? No? Well, I'll wait a minute while you grab one. Got them? I hope so because this is a RED LETTER DAY...as in Letter "J." Studio J that is!

I am here to announce (horns and trumpets please) the customer release date of Close To My Heart's AMAZING new digital scrapbooking program, Studio J. The 2 layouts you see here (click on either to see them larger) were made by little old me during our consultant testing period. Trust me, you're going to LOVE this! Our tagline is: Real life. Real scrapbooks. Real time.

You are going to want to carefully read this whole post. It will be worth every juicy little tidbit!

To answer a few commonly asked questions:

Q: Well, get on with it Karen. When is the flipping (maybe you are more of a lady than me and didn't say "flipping") release date?
A: TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2010. 8 AM MDT. Just go to my website (http://leavealegacy.myctmh.com) and there will be a tab added that day for Studio J. Click there and you can begin playing...for FREE! You pay NOTHING unless you order some layouts. Putting them together is TOTALLY FREE! I love free! In the meantime, if you haven't watched the Studio J introductory video yet, click here to do it!

Q: I LOVE traditional scrapbooking. Will Studio J take away from that?
A: Absolutely NOT! There is room for both in your life. I am living proof. I love them both for totally different reasons. I love the artistic feel of hands on paper and embellishments. I love the speed and ease and professional look of Studio J. Plus, you can always order Studio layouts and then add a few 'lumpy bumpies' of your own once they come if you have a serious need to do the tactile thing.

Q: I am not a traditional kind of scrapbooker. I have been scrapbooking digitally for years. Is Studio J something that I will like?
A: No doubt about it! I have looked at and tried several different digital offerings out there, and in my opinion, NOTHING can compete with Studio J in quality, concept, cost or beauty!

Q: So seriously, how much does it cost?
A: There is NO COST to use the program. You have no software or hardware to purchase or download. Unless you make a layout (defined as a two page 12 x 12 layout) and decide to purchase it, there is absolutely no cost. Once you decide to purchase, each 2 page layout is introductory priced at $12.95. That is WAY below the industry average! And, if you purchase 5-9 two-page layouts at a time, CTMH will throw in 5 free page protectors. 10 or more and you get FREE SHIPPING, as well as a package of 5 page protectors for every 5 layouts in the order. Cool beans! Once ordered, Close To My Heart prints your layouts on high quality photo paper (I wish you could see the quality of my photographed layouts above in person) and sends them to you. Mine arrived within days of when I ordered them.

Q: What if I make a layout and want to save it and purchase it with a group of layouts at a later date?
A: No worries, girlfriend! That is actually the smart way to do it anyway. CTMH will save your projects for 90 days. And, every time you make a purchase your 90 days start over. So, say you make several layouts and then purchase them on day 80. Your 9o day clock starts over. They are saved again. Totally awesome, dudette! On top of all of that, CTMH even emails you periodically to remind you where your project clock is.

Q: In a nutshell, how does this "Studio J" thing work?
A: In a nutshell, these are the steps to creating an amazing 2 page layout:

• upload some of your favorite photos
• choose from one of the 54 awesome kits (including most of your faves from our Idea Books plus some that are exclusive to Studio J).
• choose a layout pattern. There are MANY to choose from. They are like the patterns you'll find in our wonderful "how to" books like Cherish, Imagine, Reflections. The possibilities are endless because all the patterns you can choose from can be rotated 3 ways and flip flopped.
  
• now personalize! You get to drop your photos in, add text, choose cardstock and background and texture papers from the kit, add accessories (just about every accessory item you can imagine!), distressing, titling, MyStickease, and so much more.
• save and/or buy your layout(s).

Q: If I'm not the techiest of techies, or even techie at all, will I be able to do this?
A: YES! This program is great for techies and non-techies alike. The program is VERY intuitive. I only had to refer to the user's guide/help document one time while I was creating my layouts.

I am SOOOOOOOOOO FLIPPING EXCITED (there's that flipping word again. Sorry!) about this program. I know you are going to love it. So, take that red pen I made you run and get and mark Tuesday, April 27 at 8 am MDT on the calendar I made you run and get. You won't want to miss it!

If you have any questions, I am MORE than happy to answer them. Email me at pedermom@aol.com. If you have lots of friends who love digital, you might even want to consider signing up to be a Close To My Heart Consultant with your own website so that you can make money (cha-ching) while they fall in love with Studio J! You can do that right now while you are waiting for Tuesday. Just click here, then on "Your Opportunities" and then follow the prompts. You can become a Close To My Heart Consultant for as little as $99!

THANK YOU!

This little card is to say THANK YOU to all of you. Thank you for your prayers and support during the last 18 months. Thank you for your kind comments here on my blog, and personal emails that so many of you have sent over the past 18 months. It means more to us than all of you could ever know (see yesterday's post if you don't know what the heck I'm talking about).

Close To My Heart products used: Hit the Spot Stamp Set ( C1406, available May 1), Thank You Stamp Set (D1361), Connections Stamp Set (D1330), Cherry-O Level 2 Paper Pack (X7123B, available May 1), Moon Doggie Level 2 Paper Pack (X7111B), Versamark Pad (Z891), Cocoa Embossing Powder (Z1246), Cocoa Stamp Pad (Z21145), Indian Corn Blue Stamp Pad (Z2130), Clear Embossing Powder (Z671), Dimensional Elements Monogram "T" (Z1074), Colonial White Marker (Z2268), Round Sponge (Z697), Corner Rounder (Z578).

Click here to shop for these and other great items on my website 24/7... especially when your husband has a JOB! WOO HOO!

Stay tuned tomorrow for a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT here on my blog! You're gonna LOVE IT!

Gratitude and Celebration

If you follow my blog, you probably know that my hubby, Dan-the-Man has been unemployed for the past 18 months. After working as a Pharmaceutical Rep for over 20 years, when he was laid off a year and a half ago we never dreamed it would take this long to find another good job.

Dan-the-Man has spent the past 18 months substitute teaching and picking up any odd job he could find. I have been so proud of him for the way he has handled this. He has refused to let it destroy his self-esteem and rarely has a down day.

Well (drum roll please...) TODAY IT ALL ENDED! Yes, I know I am shouting! I mean to shout! I am shouting for JOY! Dan was offered a job today doing something he will love. We are so filled with gratitude right now we can hardly contain ourselves. In fact, if you thought you felt an earthquake a few hours ago, no worries. It was just the Pedersens in Utah celebrating!

MANY THANKS to all of you who have remembered us in your prayers. We appreciate it more than you will ever know.

Close To My Heart's Art & Soul and Thank You, Kate!

I wanted to be sure you all knew that there is a brand new webisode of Close To My Heart's awesome creative series, Art & Soul that you can view on my website. It's called "Live Your Dreams" and is only about 12 minutes long. In those 12 minutes you will learn, among other cool things, how to make and use your own "puddle pads." Trust me, you've gotta see it! Click here to go directly to my website to view it.

I also thought I share this stinkin' cute card that came in mail for me this week from my friend and downline, Kate C. THANK YOU, Kate. Not only is the card to die for, but the note inside made me cry. I love happy mail!

A couple of 'must have' Close To My Heart products that Kate used on her stinkin' cute card: Animal Cookies Level 2 Paper Pack (X7112B), Springtime Stamp Set (D1415), Bitty Sparkles (Z1263).

Click here to shop on my website 24/7...especially after you learn how to make puddle pads. I think you're gonna need some re-inkers after watching Art and Soul!

National Scrapbooking Month "Miracle" Kit

As promised, here I am showing you the BEAUTIFUL and Oh-So-Springy "Miracle" kit that Close To My Heart is offering for National Scrapbooking Month. It's a steal and you'll just have to have it when you see what it looks like and understand how it works. And, I'm here to make sure you walk away from reading this post with both.

National Scrapbooking Month is actually in May, but CTMH is on the ball. They have offered this kit to you starting today, April 15 so that you can have it in your hot little hands in time to start celebrating National Scrapbooking Month from day 1. Bravo! Once you finish this email, you can order this kit by going to my website here (details on order #'s are later in this post).

First of all, seeing it...I'll start with my two finished layouts using this kit, and add a few detail photos as well (you can click on any photo to see it larger). I'm sure you'll be shocked to see that both layouts feature my granddaughter, Daci. lol.

Layout #1: Celebrate. This layout is not only gorgeous, but so functional. "Flip Flaps" are included in this kit so this 2 page layout can accommodate a plethora of pics!

Here you can see the flip flaps open. So, a page that looks like it only has 2 photos, really has 6! Cool beans! You could even add more flip flaps for more photos.
Here is a close up of the journaling I added to this layout as well as the BEAUTIFUL dimensional element accents.

One more little detail pic of the accents before we move on to layout #2 of this kit.
Layout #2: Memories. There is NOTHING cuter than a baby and a lollipop!

Now let's move on to understanding how it works. It's simple! This charming scrapbooking kit featuring Spring inspired colors and floral patterns is "miraculously" easy to assemble with no stamping required. The brochure will guide you through easily creating two beautiful 2-page layouts (and you'll have plenty of left-over papers and supplies for a few cards!). There are several ways to snatch this fashionable Miracle kit at a great discount or even FREE!

1. purchase the kit outright for $19.95 (order #CC1009) between April 15 and May 31
   
2. spend $40 (before shipping and tax) and receive this kit for $10 (order #CC1009A) between April 15 and May 31
   
3. spend $60 (before shipping and tax) and receive this kit for $5 (order #CC1009B) between April 15 and May 31
   
4. Host a home gathering between April 15 and May 31 with minimum sales of $300 and receive a kit FREE!
5. Sign up as a new Consultant between May 1 and May 31 and receive a kit FREE!

Miracle Kit Contents (CTMH Colors featured: Sweet Leaf, Olive, Crystal Blue, Bamboo). See the photo of the supplies at the top of this post and the cover of the tri-fold brochure with step-by-step instructions here.

• 5 - Colonial White Cardstock
• 1 - Bamboo Cardstock
• 1 - Floral B&T Duos Paper
• 1 - Stripe B&T Duos Paper
• 1 - Crystal Blue B&T Duos Die-Cut
• 1 - Sweet Leaf B&T Duos Die-Cut
• 1 - 6" x 12" My Stickease Assortment
• 1 - 6" x 9" Irresistibles Chipboard Die-Cuts
• 1 - Mini-Medley Accents Colonial White Collection
• 12" Colonial White Waxy Flax
• 3 - 4" x 6" Memory Protectors Flip Flaps
• 2 - Sponge Wedges
• 1 - Brochure
  

Happy Birthday, Dawson!

16? You have got to be kidding me? When and how did this happen? My baby cannot possibly be 16 today. Okay, I guess he is. 16 years ago this morning I gave birth to my last munchkin, Dawson. I LOVE this kid.

Some of my favorite things about Dawson:

• He still gives me big hugs without being bribed.
• He is not afraid to tell me he loves me, even in front of his friends.
• He makes up the goofiest little sayings and uses them all the time. Over and over and over.... Okay, maybe this in one of my favorite things sometimes and one of my least favorite things sometimes.
• He understands that the choices he makes now can affect his future.
  
• He loves to tell me every little detail about whatever he is doing. I love men who TALK! {I even married a guy that does this! WOO HOO!}

I hope your day is PERFECT, Daws! I LOVE YOU!

Cherry-O Circle Card

Hi-H0-Cherry-O! I hope your day is going GREAT! Mine is, in large part because I taught one scrapbook class this morning and will be doing another one tonight. I love my job of being an Independent Consultant with Close To My Heart! You can EASILY sign up to be a member of my team by going to my website, then clicking on "Your Opportunities" and following the prompts from there. It's only $99* to start!

It's been a couple of days since I've shared. So, I had to take 2 seconds in between classes and making dinner and share this little circle card with you. I used the brand new Cherry-O line of papers from Close To My Heart that will be coming out May 1 (see Sunday's post for more details).

*before shipping and tax

New Cherry-O Line from Close To My Heart

Have you noticed that cherries are all the rage in scrapbooking products, papers, linens, and even clothing lately? Lest you think that Close To My Heart missed the boat, let me assure you that they certainly did not! You just have to wait until May 1 and you will have your fill of delicious cherry themed papers, stamps and accessories. May 1 is when the Summer Idea Book goes live and you will be able to view it right here on my blog. Be sure to check back then and look for the cover on the left side of my blog. By clicking on it you'll be able to view it page by scrumptious page.

In the meantime, just to wet your whistle, I thought I'd share a photo of some of the Cherry-O products (Feel free to click on the photo to see it larger. I know you want to see every yummy detail!) and a darling layout of my friend, Monica's beautiful little daughter, Melia. The Cherry-O line uses the CTMH color mix of Tulip, Blush, Chocolate, Sweet Leaf, Crystal Blue and Colonial White. Tasty!

I really am trying to enjoy every minute of my life and "live in the moment" (isn't that the catch phrase of the last year or two?), but I can't help getting excited about this new Idea Book and the upcoming National Scrapbooking Month "Miracle" kit. Click here to see a little sneaky peeky of that. You'll see ANOTHER one of Monica's beautiful daughters in that post, Ariana. She sure makes beautiful children, doesn't she?

In the meantime, there are so many wonderful products available RIGHT NOW through CTMH. Live in the moment, right? Click here to enter my website and order some (24/7!). You can view the current Idea Book (Spring 2010) by clicking here.

Miracle - Sneaky Peeky

There is something exciting that is coming on April 15 with Close To My Heart. As you may or may not know, May is National Scrapbooking Month. CTMH usually begins their special a few weeks early so you can have your 'goodies' in your hands to scrap by the beginning of May. I love that!

This year the special is called "Miracle" and it is so beautiful. Being a CTMH Consultant, I was able to get my Miracle Kit early and play. I will be revealing it all to you next week (on Thursday, April 15...so be sure to check my blog that day for all the details and full photos), but I thought I'd give you a few little peeks today as well.

Enjoy!