A GREAT Quote!

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." - Ralph Waldo Emerson Amen, Ralph Waldo Emerson!
Take a deep breath. ...and have a HAPPY day!

WORLD RECORD INSPIRATIONAL BLOG HOP!

Today is the INSPIRATIONAL BLOG HOP (spondered by Unity Stamp Co.). I decided to particpate in this "hop" in hopes that more individuals would stop by and visit my blog. If you are a new visitor...WELCOME!

I created this card using the large cup cake stamp from Unity Stamp Company. All other supplies come from Close To My Heart.

Blush Ink, Chocolate Ink, More To Adore My Reflections Paper Pack, Chocolate, Hollyhock and Baby Pink Brads and Chocolate Designer Ribbon Rounds.

My Favorite 2 quotes:

"Don't be sad it's over. Be happy that it happened."

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

VIEW THE INSPIRATIONAL BLOG HOP BY STARTING AT

http://theunitystampco.blogspot.com/

This hop officially begins at 11:00 a.m. CENTRAL TIME!

The LINK to the NEXT blog is:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=418966

You MUST check this out!

Today is Jeanette Lynton's birthday. Jeanette is the founder and CEO of CLose To My Heart. She is my boss but more importantly, my friend. I got to know Jeanette on a more personal basis while working on the CTMH Advisory Board for 2 years. Jeanette is truly an AMAZING individual. I was so happy to hear that the CTMH staff spoiled her and treated her like the queen she is in honor of her birthday. Please be sure to check out her blog: www.jeanettelynton.com to see the wonderful "cup cakes"the CTMH staff presented to Jeanette!
I made one of these cup cakes and want to make another! I think they are so much fun and unique!

SMiles,
Amy

My Service To You...

I read this quote yesterday and just had to type it out and pin it on my wall:

"Scrapbooking is cheaper than therapy.

Saving Memories on page at a time."

Isn't that so true?!

I know that you can purchase your stamping, scrapbooking and paper crafting supplies just about anywhere these days but I want you to know that, not only can you purchase your supplies through me, I also make the most effort to personally help you with your creative projects. I want to be sure that you are USING the products that you PURCHASE from me.

Yesterday I had my morning scrapbook club. We got to talking about scrapbooking and Close To My Heart. One of my customers said that what she loves most about my way of doing things is that I plan what she should order each month and then I provide her with the instruction on what to do with her purchases. This is what I am all about ladies...teaching you how to actually use your purchases all while telling your story through scrapbooking! Here are some photos of the layouts my scrapbook club will be creating in April.

I am so excited about all the things planned for the next month! I hope you will see something that interests you and register today!
I do want to remind all of you about the awesome sign- up special CTMH is offering the entire month of March. All those who sign up to be a CTMH consultant will receive any 2 organizational products they wish at 50% off! There are still 5 days left to take advantage of this incredible offer! Feel free to contact me if you have questions or want to start your CTMH business today! I have attached a flyer with all the details.

CTMH is celebrating National Scrapbook Month a bit early this year! If you do not already know, May is National Scrapbook month. CTMH has put together a fabulous kit, “Tickled Pink,” in honor of this awesome celebration. Please contact me to see a flyer showcasing this awesome kit. Do you have a stamp set wish list? Are there lots of stamp sets you have been wanting but just have not had the chance to order? Have you thought about hosting a CTMH gathering? Or would you like to make some additional income all while stamping and scrapbooking? If you said, “yes” to any of these questions then the “Tickled Pink” special is for YOU! There is something in this special for EVERYONE-the customer, the hostess and even the individual who wants to begin her own CTMH business!
I am adding to this special! All those who earn this kit for FREE will be invited to my house for a FREE create & take session! All you do is bring your “Tickled Pink” kit, along with your basic tool kit (trimmer, scissors and adhesives) and I will provide you a comfortable spot to create your layouts, use of my ink pads and blocks AND I will guide you in making a couple cards using your leftover papers! A small goodie bag will also be given to you upon your arrival! I want to make you feel “Tickled Pink” at this event! The dates (a morning and evening time will be scheduled) will be announced in mid-May. Both dates will be in early June.
I have improved the way I do my gatherings and I look forward to providing you with an AMAZING PARTY EXPERIENCE! My presentation is short but FUN! I like to include your guests in with my presentation and all my parties now have a theme! During the month of April the theme will be CUP CAKES! Cup cakes are all the rage now and CTMH has the most adorable cup cake stamp set! Please phone or email me today so we can schedule your Cup Cake themed Gathering and plan your FREE CTMH shopping spree! You can host your gathering at your house or mine (for those who don’t like to cook and clean or don’t want to disrupt the family or feel they don’t have enough room to comfortably fit all their guests). I promise you that YOUR party will be like no other! Fun, Laughter and a very cool create & take project will occur at your Amazing Party! Don’t Delay-Schedule Today!
The deadline to register for the Monogram Tin and Note Card Class is fast approaching! Many of you have expressed an interest but have not yet officially registered. Please be sure to let me know on/before April 2nd. Payment is due when registering to confirm your spot. You can read all the details and see a photo of this class on my website http://www.amy.myctmh.com/ .
I have updated my website so please take a peek to see the April card club and scrapbook club kit descriptions and dates. Anyone can come to these classes. They are not exclusively for the club members. I encourage everyone to come take a class and see how you like it. I am always forming new clubs and you can join at any time. Card and Scrapbook Club are available as “kits to go” so even if you live long distance or cannot attend classes, you can still be in the club or take a class!
Calendar Club is going strong. I am excited about the new members who just recently joined! We will be meeting in April to do the February and possibly the March kits. You can join Calendar Club at any time. I have extras of all the kits. You can put these kits together at home or at a future class here at my home. Details for this club can be found on my website, as well.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Smiles,
Amy

*If for some reason you register for a class and cannot attend, you will receive all class materials and instructions. Due to the fact that I have to pre-order your supplies, I cannot hand out refunds.

Paper crafting makes the tough times...not so tough!

Hello!

You are never going to believe this but...I have another sick child at home today! Payton Marie was up all night getting sick. This is amazing-6 straight weeks of someone in the family being sick in bed. I guess I need to just be happy we are getting it all out of our system before Spring Break, right? I have to admit, all this illness is GETTING OLD! We are pretty much a very healthy fmaily. The kids would have had perfect attendance at school the past 2 years had we not taken them out to drive to Connecticut. I guess we are just making up for it this year, eh?!

Anyway, I love how paper crafting always seems to make the tough times not so tough. The McGrew family has had a rough 1 1/2 months but I do find peace when I sit in my stamp room and scrapbook, create cards, and paper craft!

I created this cute tag album the other day. Thank you to Nona Davenport for sharing her idea with me! I do plan to offer this as a spring class for all of you. Details will be coming very soon! I created this fun memory album using the new card kit in the Spring Close to my Heart Idea book. The kit is called "Hello Birdie." You can actually create 3 albums from one card kit. How cool is that! The actual tag album is also a product that Close To My Heart sells! This little album makes the perfect gift for a family member, friend or even yourself! I plan to add photos of Payton's pre-school graduation to it! Payton will love it!

Make ia a great day, ladies. STAY HEALTHY!

SMiles,

Amy

Eagle Nest Elementary School Carnival

Thank you to all the wonderful poeple who visited my booth at the Eagle Nest Elementary School Carnival this past Saturday! It was a pleasure chatting with you! I am excited to provide you (and EVERYONE) with assistance when completing your creative projects. Anyone can help you purchase products but I want ALL my cusomters and readers to know that I am here to assist you with your actual projects. Please never hesitate to contact me when/if you need help. That is what I am here for!
As I am sure many of you have heard, Provocraft is no longer making the Coluzzle cutting system. Many of the more popular templates have become hard to find as vendor's supplies run out. If you are a Coluzzle lover, like me, I am happy to tell you that Close to my Heart still has many Coluzzle products still in stock, including the Big Circle Template which has become really hard to find. (This is my favorite!) As of today, we still have the Swivel Knife, Cutting Mat, Circle Template, Big Circle Template, Oval Template, Tags Template, and File Folder Template. I have been informed that they are only available while supplies last, so if you are interested in getting something, I would do it soon.


Make it a super day!

Monogram Notecards and Tin Workshop!

I am so excited about this workshop. All the details are below. This project makes perfect Mother's Day gifts, teacher end of the year presents, wedding gifts, birthday gifts-it is perfect for just about any occasion. And this project is oh so fun to create! I hope you will join me on April 16th! If April 16th does not work for you then please let me know. Perhaps we can come up with another date for you to come over and make this adorable project!

Monogram Notecards and Tin
Thursday, April 16 9:30-11:30 a.m. or 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $16.00
Register on/before APRIL 3rd.
You will receive:
* 1 DVD tin
*I package of the Foundry Bookplate
* all the paper and ribbon needed to create 6 cards
*6 envelopes
*1 Paper flower
Please bring basic took kit to class.
*Extra DVD tins are available. I can prepare “to go” kits for you if you would like to crerate more than one tin.

This project makes wonderful Mother’s Day gifts, Teacher Gifts, Wedding and Birthday Gifts!

Our Cellebrity!

Tucker Janes was featured in the Summerville Journal yesterday! What a treat for him (and his mother!) when we went to school today and Tucker was bombarded with "congratulations!" We do not get the Summerville paper so it was a total surprsie to us! If any of you readers are local and do get the paper, could I have it when you are done reading it? I would love to send it to Tucker's grandparents and his God parents. Thanks in advance!

Be sure to stop in tomorrow! I will be sharing information about a VERY COOL (and inexpensive) monogram notecard workshop I wil be offering in April. You won't want to miss out on this one!

Well, here are some more photos from St. Patrick's Day. Unfortunately, our "luck of the Irish" was short lived yesterday. I got a phone call from school saying Tucker was sick. Poor guy, he is on crutches due to a knee injury and now he has the flu on top of that. There has been a member of the McGrew family sick every week for the past 5 weeks! I know many of you can relate! I keep saying to myself, "This is good-we will all be healthy for spring break!"

Anyway, my plans for yesterday were put on hold so I could care for my sick child but I did want to share these photos that were taken before the house became an infermary... again!

Make it a great day and stay healthy everyone!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Everyone is Irish today! I love making the holidays fun for my children. I got up extra early today and made cinnamon rolls with green glaze for breakfast. We also had Lucky Charms cereal and green milk to drink! I decorated the table with a green table cloth and sprinkled green paper shamrocks all over the table. The kids loved it!

I also placed one of these little treat containers at each place setting. Inside the tin are 9 mini chocolate bars, each wrapped with green pattern paper. This was such a fun project to make! You can really use this idea for many different themes. It is a great way to use up some of your paper crafting scraps!

I will share more photos of our day this evening!

I would like to leave you with the following Irish Blessing.

Happy Day!

"May your thoughts

be as glad as the

shamrocks, may

your heart be as light as a song,

may each day bring you

bright, happy hours

that stay with you
all the year long."

I am happy to say that I am just about recovered from the "musky crud," as my dear friend, Tonya calls it! I spent a fun day yesterday at a fundraiser Crop for a Relay For Life Team up in Moncks Corner. I must thank my kindred spirit, Kim, for tagging along with me. She makes my job so fun! Thanks Kim, for your helping hands, your enthusiasm and your friendship!

I came across this poem on another Blog (I can not remember which one, otherwise Iwould give that person credit). It truly "moved" me. I actually printed it out in colored ink and read it every day. I shared it with my Close To My Heart Team last week and received numerous positive comments back from team members. Now I would like to share it with each of you!

Here it is:

There comes a time in life

When you have to let go of

all the pointless drama

and the people who create it

and surround yourself with

people who make you laugh

so hard that you forget

the bad and focus solely

on the good. After all,

life is too short to

be anything by happy.

My husband, my soul mate, Stan, makes me laugh every single day. Even when times are tough, he brings a smile to my face. He is truly my number one blessing and I thank God each and every day for bringing him to me.

Have a happy day everyone!

SMiles,

Amy

New "Art & Soul" Show!

The March "Art & Soul" Show has been added to my Close To My Heart website! Be sure to stop by and visit (http://www.amy.myctmh.com/) the "Running in Circles" show. Circles, rings, scalloped edges, arched stamps-the papercrafting world turns topsy-curvy in this episode of Art & Soul. Discover how easy it is to create darling, circular accents and images using My Acrylix stamps, the Coluzzle circle template, and a little ingenuity. You will also learn how to purchase the "Friendship Word Puzzle" (one of my favorite stamp sets) at a discount!

Your head will be spinning with fresh ideas after watching this enjoyable and informative episode!

My son, Tucker will be turing 11 in a few short weeks. I can not beileve how fast the past 11 years have gone by! He is having an "Amazing Race" theme party. Tucker and Stan have been busy planning all sorts of challenges for Tucker and his friends to compete in. It is so fun to watch them work together and plan for the big celebration! My job was to create the invitation.

I have added it here to share with you all. I used the Vintage Travel Paper Pack (item #X7045B) and the Tiny Typewriter Alphabet Stamp Set (item #D1222). I also used two retired stamp sets (Legendary Moments and First Class). Tucker was thrilled with how they turned out and he happily mailed them this morning to all his buddies!

Fun Mail!

Hello!
Well my two daugthers and husband have all been sick over the past 3 weeks. First it was Molly, then Payton, next came Stan and guess what...now I have it. Mothers should not be allowed to get sick! There is just too much to bet done and all I really want to do is lay on the couch and sleep all day. Oh well, we know that is not going to happen so I'll just try to think of all the many blessings in my life.

I love to get mail. When I receive even just a hand crafted card in the mail I get all giddy and happy. Receiving fun mail in my mailbox is truly one of my top 5 favorite things! My dear friend, Trina, sent this adorable notepad holder to me for my birthday last week. I love the cup cake material and the pink and brown color combination is "right up my alley!" I am a big "To Accomplish List" maker. And Trina knows this! Every night I sit down and write out what I would like to accomplish the follwoing day. This thoughtful gift from Trina will be loved and used each and every day. The great thing about this adorable gift is once I fill up one pad, I can replace it with a brand new pad!

I LOVE IT!

Thank you dear Trina!!

Butterfly Wings

Here is some artwork using the March Stamp of the Month: Butterfly Wings." I participated in a card swap and was very pleased with the cards I received. This stamp set is so much fun to create with! I am not a big 'butterfly" person but I did fall in love with this stamp set. If you are interested in purchasing this set, please contact me. I can share with you ways to earn it at a discount!

Make it a great day!

FREE Scrapbook Class!

As many of you know, I have Kit of the Month Scrapbooking and Card Clubs. There are a minimum of 5 people in each club and the club runs for 5 months. Each month one of the members is honored as the hostess and receives the hostess rewards. Members are required to place a minimum $30 order each month. I actually tell the members what they will purchase each month. I then design layouts or 12 cards using the supplies the members purchase and the members come to my FREE class. I guide them in creating 3 2-page 12 x 12 layouts or 12 cards using the products they pruchase. Club members go home kkk3 2-page complete layouts (or 12 cards) AND all the left over product! My club members love it!

If you think this type of club is something you would enjoy, please contact me today. I invite you to particpate one month as a trial to see if you would like to actually join a club. New clubs are forming all the time and you do not have to know the other 4 gals in your actual club. If you have a friend who wants to join with you then I will reward you with free product! You can also get the monthly kits "to go!" If you live long distance or do not have the time to attend the free class then I will be happy to mail your kit to you each month!

Here are photos of the layouts the scrapbook club members will be creating in March, as well as the kit description.

March Kit of the Month Scrapbook Kit Details
Basic Kit: $34.11
#X7107B That’s Amore Level 2 Paper Pack: $12.95
#X7107C That’s Amore Stickease: $4.95
#X1407 Love Always Journaling Spots: $2.95
#Z1048 Dimensional Elements Simple Lower Case Alphabet” $6.95
An Assortment of edge anchors, copper brads and ribbon: $2.00



Add On Options:
#D1334 Reminisce Stamp Set: $22.95
#E1002 Rustic Alphabet Stamp Set
#Z2111 Chocolate Ink Pad: $5.25
#Z2166 Tulip Ink Pad: $5.25
March Stamp of the Month “Butterfly Wings”: Discounted or Free!

Recipe For A Great Day!

I was looking through a Pottery Barn catalog recently and came across this "recipe." The picure was actually promoting the chalk board rectangle pieces available to purchase (I love them and have added them to my "Home Improvement/Decor Wish List." Anyway, I did love this little recipe and wanted to share it with all of you.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did/do!

Into each dat puy equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work, hope, fidelity, liberality, kindess, rest, prayer, meditation, and one well selected solution.
Put in about one teaspoon of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly and a sprinkle of play, and then add a cupful of good humor.

I love this! I am going to try to do these things daily. I hope you will, as well!

Make it a super day!

SMiles,
Amy

You're Invited!

FRIDAY NIGHT CROP!
Date: Friday, March 13, 2009
Place: Amy’s Stamp Room
Time: 6:00 p.m.-Midnight
Cost: $5.00
(due upon registering-this will reserve your seat)
R.S.V.P: on/before Monday, March 9th
(space is limited so register today to reserve your spot)
Your $5.00 registration fee covers table space, use of all my stamps, ink pads, eyelet kit, etc., snacks and drinks!
If you place a minimum $25 order at the crop
(or before the crop and the crop is FREE!)
This is a great event to take advantage of to work on your projects without any distractions or interruptions from home!
Cardstock and B&T will be available to purchase by the sheet
Cash & Carry Products will be available!

Amy McGrew
CTMH CONSULTANT
stamperamy@earthlink.net
www.amy.myctmh.com
(843)-207-8698
scrapbooklifewithamy@blogspot.com

I have a winner!!!!!

Congratulations to Deanna Sease! Deanna is the winner of my Columbia contest. Thank you to both Janet and Deanna for participating. My daughter, Molly, pulled Deanna's name out of a basket tonight. Deanna, I will be mailing you a little surprise over the weekend!
Thanks again, Ladies!

SMiles,
Amy

Close To My Heart Special: "FORWARD, MARCH!" and today is the last day Columbia Ladies!

Close to My Heart is hosting two amazing specials all month long! Now is the perfect time to become a CLose To My Heart Consnultant and start living your dream of flexible work hours, unlimited earning potential, product discounts, travel opportunities, and more. When you enroll between March 3-31,2009, you can take advantage of a fabulous sign-up bonus: You can choose up to two premiere organizational products at half off the retail price!. That's a savings of apporximately $129 on items that will help you get your business off to an organized start. Choose from our most popular items to help you arrange and store your scrapbooking and stamping supplies.
Forward, march...to the front of the line today and enroll during our Forward, March campaign for super savings. Ask me today about joining the Close To My Heart family.
This offer is valid March 3-31,2009. Shipping/handling and tax apply. My Acrylix stamp sets, Exclusive Inks stamp pads and markers not included.
You can visit my website, www.amy.myctmh.com, to view a colorful brochure.
If you know of anyone who might be interested in this special please share it with them or you can give me their contact information. I do reward all individuals who pass referrals on to me!

RETIRED STAMP ON SALE ON MY WEBSITE ONLY STARTING TODAY!!!!!
The stamp sets listed below will be available beginning March 3, 2009, beginning at 9 am (MT). at 40% off current retail pricing. these stamp sets are aonly available on my website under the "Discount Products" section. this is an AMAZING deal! I hope you can take advantage of it!

a. Wisdom (B1199)
b. Groovy Celebration (C1232)
c. Love of My Life (C1258)
d. Card Sentiments (D1111)
e. Memories (D1127)
f. Follow Your Dreams (D1152)
g. Steep and Deep (D1175)
h. My One & Only (D1197)
i. Friendship's Garden (D1202)
j. My Farm (D1219)


Calling all those who visited my booth in Columbia the weekend of Feb. 21st! Today is the last day to share your favorite CTMH product in the comments section on this blog. I will randomally pick a winner tomorrow. I look forward to hearing from more of you today!

Make it a super day,
Amy

A Birthday Celebration

Last Friday was my birthday and boy did my family spoil me! I was planning to scrub all the floors in the house while the kids were at school. Well, Stan actually surprsied me by taking the day off from work! We went on a bike ride down at Isle of Palms. Stan even packed a picnic lunch which we ate on the beach! It was so much fun! As some of you know,my dear friend Shannon, loves cup cakes. Her love of cupcakes has rubbed off onto me and now I love all things cup cakes! After lunch Stan took me to The Cupcake Store downtown. This is the cutest little place! How could it not be with it's decor all in pink & brown (my most favorite color combination ever!). If you live in the charleston area and have not visited The Cup Cake Store I highly suggest you do...TODAY! If you do not live close by, please come visit and I will take you there! Stan even bought a fun t-shirt at the Cup Cake store for me. I love it! I ate a carrot cake cup cake. It was delicious!

The only bad thing about the first half of my day was...I forgot my camera at home! I am still angry at myself for this. I NEVER forget my camera! I guess the old age is setting in already!

I told Stan we will just have to everything all over again so that I can document it on film!

Molly and Payton treated me to their "spa treatment" Friday night. Molly washed my hair and gave my head a massage-it was wonderful! Payton rubbed lotion all over my legs and feet- it felt great! After our Spa Treatment I surprised the kids with the High School Musical 3 DVD and we all watched the movie together.

The celebration continued on into Saturday! My dear friend, Tonya, up in Ohio, had a gorgeous fruit arrangement sent to the house. The pineapple and chocolate covered strawberries melted in our mouth. Thank you ,Tonya for thinking of me! Then the kids all were invited to sleep at friend's houses so Stan and I went out on a date! We went to a Janpanese Steak House close to home. What fun we had! We were actually planning to attend the 9:00 church service on sunday morning but we overslept! I can not remember the last time we were still sleeping past 9:00 in the morning! Stan actually got up and set up a lovely breakfast for me with candle light and all! We enjoyed more of the fruit Tonya sent to me.
Thank you Stan, Tucker, Molly and Payton for making my birthday such a wonderful day! I love you all!