Is this not the coolest biking shirt? I saw it at a store called "Try Sports" and fell in love with it! I think my friend, Shannon's love of cupcakes is rubbing off on me! I love the back of the shirt. The script says "Riding Cupcake Mountain" and inside the back pocket is the recipe on how to make cupcakes! I love it! And the Close To My Heart new Reflections Kit "Day Dream" matches this shirt perfectly! Stan and I are planning to bike in a race on March 22nd. If it is warm enough for short sleeves then I will wear my new cupcake biking jersey and scrapbook the memories with the Day Dream Scrapbook Kit!

Speaking of cupcakes, I have been enjoying all the comments you have been sharing on my blog. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and share your thoughts. I am planning to close the cupcake contest tomorrow evening and then one of my children will draw a lucky name to receive the free cupcake & sprinkles" stamp set on Monday. Here is one last photo of me with the stamp set. I did not have time to play with this set today-hopefully tomorrow I will!

Did you say CUPCAKE?????

It is me again!

Did you notice the cupcake quiz posted down here on the left side of the page?

It is so much fun to take. Please take the quiz and share with me your results.

Cupcakes are all the rage now! My dear friend, Shannon, is the Cupcake Queen. She loves everything about cupcakes. My children actually call her "The Cupcake Lady!"



Close To My Heart introduced a darling cupcake stamp set in our new Spring Idea book. I just received mine and am anxious to play with it.



Once you take the quiz please post your results in the comments section AND share you favorite kind of cupcake or share a cupcake recipe or decorating idea with me. One lucky winner will be selected randomally to win the new Close To My Heart cupcake stamp set!

You can read my results from the quiz in the box that introduces the quiz to you. How many of you will receive the same results I did????

I look forward to hearing about your results and reading about your cupcake ideas!



Have fun!

BEADS , BEADS, BEADS!

I wanted to share one of my most favorite necklaces and bracelet with you today. I wore them to an awards ceremony at my children's school the other day and got stopped by so many individuals complimenting me on them. I ALWAYS get at least a handful of compliments every time I wear this jewelry set. In fact, when Stan and I were traveling in Italy last October many, many pepole stopped me wanting to know what store I had purchased the set at.

Guess what? My sister, Jody Fraleigh, made them for me! She is so talented! Jody makes jewelry for fun. It is her way to relax after a long day at work or transporting her children to and from their activities.

Jody does make and sell jewelry. If you are interested in a jewelry set like this one or something created in another color combination please feel free to contact her. Jody's prices are extremely reasonable. You can contact Jody via email. Her email address is jfraleigh@theklawfirm.com

Make it a GREAT day!

SMiles,

Amy

I love to Scrapbook!

Good Morning!

I am getting ready to meet with one of my scrapbook clubs this morning. I have several clubs-both scrapbooking and card. In fact, last night my card club met to create 12 cards with a Valentine/Love theme. This morning the club members will be creating winter themed pages. I have attached a photo of one of the layouts the clubs will create next month as their February class. I used the new Emporium My Reflections Kit to create this layout. I am in love with this kit. I love all the colors and patterns and the stamp set "Connections" is just so fun!

Would you like to join a club and meet monthly to create 6 2-page 12 x 12 layouts AND have the opportunity to be the hostess and earn hostess reward money? New clubs are always forming-feel free to contact me if you would like to know more about the club and all the free product you get just for joining!

My clubs are availaable as "kits to go." If you live far away or are unable to attned the actual monthly class that is okay! I can package everything up for you and mail it right to your front door!

Make it a great day!

SMiles,

Amy

Project 365

Hello!

Have you heard about the new way to scrapbook? It is called "Project 365." You are encouraged to take one photo a day for the entire year and add journaling as you please. I love this whole concept! Many of us are great at scrapbooking the special times-the birthdays, holidays and vacations to name a few. But...how many of us scrapbook and/or journal about the every day moments? I would love to have an album or journal all about my grandmother (or great grandmother) and how she lived her life at the same ages as me. I wonder what she did for fun at the age of 40? I wonder how she celebrated her 40th birthday or what she liked doing the most and least? All these little facts would be so neat to know about! I would love to have a journal she worte in her own handwriting.

Well, I do journal the every day life in the McGrew household and my 3 children do, as well. They each have a 9 x 9 calendar (CTMH sells a fantastic 9 x 9 calendar) where they write 3 sentences about their day every night before going to bed. Then I write them a short note on Saturday night in their calendar. We have been doing this since they were born! They will have quite a few calendars to share with their children and great grandchildren some day!

I am taking the 365 challenge and I have been taking at least one photo every day. My plan is to learn how to add an album to this blog and just post each day's photo to the album but I have not learned how to do that yet (I promise I will!).

I have posted this photo of my 2 daugthers, Molly and Payton. This was taken on January 20th. They did not have school this day so we declared it "American Girl" day. We did numerous activities throughout the day revolving around their American Girl dolls. We read stories, made paper dolls and even built puzzles. This photo is taken while they were creating clothes for their American Girl paper dolls. What a fun day it was for me and my "American Girls!"

If you have not already taken the 365 challenge-start today! What fun it will be to look at your 2009 album on January 1, 2010!

Happy Picture Taking!

Amy

Happy Saturday!

I just returned from doing a Close To My Heart Gathering and I have another one tomorrow. I guess you could say that it is my "CTMH Weekend!"

Anyway, I had alot of fun at my friend, Luanne's house this morning. My 8 year old daughter came with me. She was such a big help to me! As we were driving home from the gathering I got to thinking how lucky I am to have this job where I can invite my daughter to come along with me!

Luanne is going to go on a free shopping spree through the CTMH Idea Book this weekend and get many of the things on her Wish List for free-all because she chose to host a gathering.

Below is a photo of just some of the fabulous things she can purchase with her hostess reward money.

If you would like to go on an exclusive shopping spree thorugh the wonderful CTMH Idea book than please contact me today. You can host an at home gatherings (at my home or yours) or you can host a book show! I'd love to hear from you today!

I have so much more to share with you today but we are leaving to take the kids to see the play Charolette's Web! I am looking forward to it, as are the kids and Stan! I will tell you all about it once we return!

Happy Saturday!

SMiles,

Amy

Charleston SNOW???

Good Morning!
The big news down here in the "low country" yesterday was...did Charleston really get snow?


We DID!!!!! Big white fluffy flakes actually did fall from the sky! It was not much but it was fun to see. I was hoping it would come down a bit heavier so I could get a picture of snow falling on a palm tree but that did not happen so I decided to post this picture of the snowman my family and I built with my parents while we were up in Connecitcut for the holidays. I hope you enjoy!

As you know, I LOVE snow. I would love to hear about one of your favorite winter/snow memories. I invite you to share your memory on my blog. Il ook forward to hearing about your memory today!

SMiles,
Amy

Scrapbooking Is My Happy Place!

Hello!
I have been out of town...again.

I flew to Salt Lake City, Utah on Wednesday morning for the Close To My Heart Album Retreat. What an AWESOME weekend I had scrappin' with the Corporate Staff and many of my favorite friends! We received fun bags, t-shirts, awesome stamp sets and layout kits. Here is a photo of Michelle and I sporting our new bags!

The album we created is gorgeous. I love the layouts so much that I am going to plan a customer retreat right here at my home in Charleston! Those who attend will create many of the layouts I created this past weekend. I am giving you a sneak peak right here in this photo.

I flew home Sunday morning reflecting on what a great weekend I had. Close to My Heart has blessed my life (and my family) with so much. I have very dear friends all over the country...and Canada,too! (Hi Jody, Louise, Denise and Michelle!). When I became a CTMH consultant 10 1/2 years ago, it was for the discount only. I never dreamed 10 1/2 years ago I would have just returned from my 6th all expense paid cruise, that I would be a director with a fantastic team and have wonderful, wonderful customers who have become dear friends and all the wonderful consultants whom I have such amazing friendships with. I have had the opportunity to serve on the Advisory Board for two years-thus I have built wonderful friendships with the corporate staff, as well. I have all of this because I love to scrapbook and stamp!

If you are looking for a job that you absolutely love to go to each and every day, all while recieivng fantabulous discounts on top of the line scrapbooking and stamping products, if you would like to have the opportunity to travel and make lasting firendships with other women throughout the country than please contact me. I would love to share the CTMH opporutnity with you.

The new consultant kit is incredible and so reasonably priced. There are even "add-on" options where you can purchase "mini kits" specifically geared towards card making/ paper crafting and/or scrapbooking! There is also a sign up special taking place through January 31st. Contact me today to learn how you can get an additional $47.00 worth of product FREE!

Happy Stamping and Scrapin'!

SMiles,

Amy

MYCTMH Art & Soul- Resolve to have a GREAT YEAR

Did you know that if you visit my website (http://www.amy.myctmh.com/) and click on CTMH TV you can view many art and craft shows? These shows introduce you to awesome projects and teach you how to creat them, as well! At the end of each show you can learn how to purchase product bundles at a great discount right at my website. You will receive all the products needed to create the fabulous projects you learn how to make on the show(s)! Isn't that great?!

I particualy love the episode titled "Resolve to have a Great Year." I am a big fan of calendars (as you know from reading the yesterday's post).

There’s never a better time than the start of a new year to resolve to do the things you love. We know you’ll love the projects in this episode—12” x 12” calendar spreads, personal and precious weekly calendars, even calendars with repositionable dates! Plus, you’ll love Jeanette’s tip for showing everyone what you do. Top it off with the tips you need to keep your MyAcrylix® stamps looking as good as new, and you have all the makings for a great new year.

New episode's are posted on my website every other Tuesday so be sure to visit to check them out!

SMiles,

amy

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!

I have been out of town for almost 3 weeks celebrating the holidays with my family up in Connecticut. I have missed blogging and sharing my daily thoughts with you all.

I hope everyone had a joyous holiday and have started 2009 off with a BANG!

I returned home to a box full of brand new Close To My Heart products! I have finally unpacked and have gotten a bit organized (still have to take down the Christmas decorations) and this weekend I treated myself to a few hours of play with all the wonderful new products. Oh my goodness....I was like a child in a candy store!

If you do not have the new Spring 2009 Idea Book please contact me TODAY for one. You are going to be so inspired by the ideas in the Idea book and all the fabulous new stamp sets, scrapbooking kits, accessories and embellishments!

I am offering some new classes/clubs in 2009 and I invite you to join!

I am especially excited about my Calendar Club. How would you like multiple holiday gifts (that you created) completed by early December 2009? If this sounds interesting read on...

The New Calendar Club…and it can TALK!
Each month, we’ll create a 12 x 12 Calendar using a one page design out of Reflections and also using the Monthly Word Puzzles.We’ll also create the monthly title topper. We’ll be working one month behind so you’ll have recently taken photos that you can plug in as you go. J This will make it a great time saver and you’ll love seeing the results as we go on. I’m so excited about it!
In addition, you can also create the “headers” for the Perpetual Calendar. This calendar can be used again and again. You write in your special dates for birthdays and anniversaries. You hang it on the wall and turn it over each month so you have your reminder to send a handmade card to someone who is celebrating a date!

Frequently Asked Questions
When does the club meet? We will meet the first Tuesday of the month in my home. The club time is from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and/or 6:30-8:30 pm.
What happens if I miss a club night? I will stamp the images for you ($1.00 per calendar) and mail out your package to you for $4.80 shipping. I will require a credit card on file and charge your card.
If I’m an out of towner, how can I get the samples? Great question! I will send you an email featuring this month’s project so you can save the sample photos to your computer and print them out at your convenience. If you want to purchase the featured “monthly” stamp set each month, you can do your own stamping and save 10% off the price of the stamp set. Otherwise, it will be $1.00 per calendar for me to stamp the images for you. I’ll ship everything to you and add postage to the monthly fees.
Where do you get your ideas from? I will be using our most recent “how to” program, Reflections. It’s the perfect book to create one page designs for each month. I will then use the Monthly Word Puzzle and ink to create the artwork.
Are there accessories included? I will be able to include “minimal” accessories for this price point of only $5.00 per month, per calendar (12 x 12). There may be occasions where you might want to purchase a certain item (or you may have it already) and complete the page the way I did. For instance, January’s Calendar has “bling” and it’s not included. Many of you already have it, or could purchase it. I am trying to stay on a budget to make this a reasonable club. There may be occasions where I want to include a higher prices item, but it will be an OPTION.
Do you plan on changing a month for any reason? Yes! I plan on trying something completely different and fun! A Birthday or Anniversary Month! I thought it would be fun to create two versions of celebration months so you can change it up and put it in the month of the recipient’s birthday or anniversary! AND, I would love to add our My Pages Talk Voice Recorder where you can make your calendar sing or talk! Of course, this is optional but wouldn’t it be so much fun to have your family sing or say something special to this person? Wouldn’t they get a kick out of it?
What papers will you use? Any of our Level 2 paper packs could be a monthly theme. Leave the designing up to me and you’ll be excited about the ideas and variety you’ll work with and create. It will be a fun club! The club pages will also include (1) 12 x 12 piece of cardstock for you to do all the art and then glue to the inside of your calendars. Much easier this way!
I’m a little confused about the cost of the Perpetual Calendar. Can you explain? Sure! You can make these as well as the 12 x 12. So, let’s say you want to create (1) perpetual calendar. We’ll do the math:
1 Calendar @ $10.00 (a one time fee up front so you have it to work on)= $10.00
$ 5.00 per quarter to duplicate 3 monthly headings = $20.00 (for the year)

If you want to create (3) of these Perpetual calendars:
3 Calendars @ $10.00 each = $30.00
$ 5.00 x 3 - $5.00 per month (you’ll do 3 at each month)
Basically, the cost is $5.00 for 3 monthly calendar headings which is very reasonable.
Can I do both Calendars at the same time? Yes! You can do both. You can do 3 of one and 2 of another. You can do 4 and 4. You can do multiples of whichever one you want to duplicate. And here’s why …
I do MOST of the CUTTING!
· It will go so fast this way!
· You just BYOBasics!
· I supply the stamps, inks, paper!
What other perks are there to belong to the club?
· You have the opportunity to save 10% off the purchase of the Monthly Stamp Puzzles (reg. price of $22.95).
· Plus, you can purchase our Reflections How To Book (reg. price of $29.95) @ 10% off.
· If you like to make any additional purchases, in any given month that add up to at least $25, you are entitled to purchase the Stamp of the Month @ a 25% discount (reg. $22.95).
· It’s totally up to you … and your pocketbook.
I’m so excited, how do I sign up? Here’s what you need to do:
1. Determine how many Calendars you want to create each month. These are perfect for family that live far away; grandparents; siblings; aunts/uncles; college students; very close friends.
a. 12 x 12 @ $10.00 each
b. Perpetual @ $10.00 each
c. Email me @ mhtml:%7B8AC55918-C81A-404A-B29B-25C9B81C9525%7Dmid://00002288/!x-usc:mailto:stamperamy@earthlink.net or call me (843)207-8698
2. Then let me know how many Calendars you would like
a. # of 12 x 12
b. # of Perpetual
c. Do you plan on attending or do you want them to GO?
3. I will need this information ASAP and no later than January 19th (I will be out of town January 14-18th).
4. Do you have any friends that would love to do this with you?
a. Sign up your friends and receive any of these Calendars FREE for each committed buddy.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to call. Each month, I will add the artwork to this website so you can see what’s up and coming. I will be working on December and January later this week.
I look forward to sharing these great monthly calendars with you!