For those of you that haven't heard, we have moved to the frozen tundra that is affectionately called Ohio!  In all seriousness, we are loving it!  For the first time in a long time, I feel like I can finally get settled!  Too bad it will take years...

Anyway, let's get to the good stuff!  Now that the house is looking decent and the kids are into a routine, I am kicking off a new year with Close to my Heart and Silpada Designs!  There are lot's of great new product and opportunities in store for you, so please follow my blog, and get the latest and greatest!

First, I have updated my calendar above with events for the month of February!  Check it out and let me know if you want to participate.  Here are dates to remember!

Upcoming Close to my Heart Events
Feb 16 3-5pm Card Class!!!  $15/15 cards special!!! RSVP by Feb 13th to reserve your spot!  Only 6 remaining!

Feb 22 7-9pm Jubilee Workshop on the Go!  This requires placing an order with me, or online no later  than Feb 10th.  Call me!  5 seats remaining.

Feb 23 3-5 Studio J Tutorial!  This is free!!!  I will show you how to use this amazing product for your digital scrapbooking needs!  No purchase required!  Bring your laptop with photos loaded and I will show you how!

Mar 1 7pm-midnight!  Sip and Scrap... Need I say more?  Join us for some fabulous girl time!  Bring whatever project you might be working on, and $3.  This will get you use of my community supplies, some wine, snacks and lots of laughs! 

Upcoming Silpada News!!
Host a qualified party in the month of February and receive up to $75 extra free Jewelry!!!  This is in addition to a minimum of $150 free and 2 half price items!  Call me soon!  Time is running out!!! 

Why Silpada???  It could be the .925 Sterling Silver beauty... It could be the great customer satisfaction guarantee!  It could also be the lifetime warranty on defects!  Things to remember... flat rate shipping to the customer (not the hostess!!!), you can use email, and social media to boost your sales!  I will make it so easy, you will want to book a show often to get the latest in trends for the spring season!  Contact me for a catalog!

Well that's it for now!  Check back often for updates, sales and new events that might fit your needs!  Or... contact me if you are interested in earning free product or the business opportunity!  

Silpada/Close to my Heart Updates!!! Finally!!!

It has been quite some time since I have updated my blog...  I guess it's time I get serious, so here I go again! 

Here's the latest for both Silpada, and Close to my Heart!

Silpada: If you host a show in January or February, there are additional benefits as long as you have a minimum of 10 orders and $500 in sales.  This counts for both in home shows as well as book parties!  So if you think it's too tight to squeeze one in for Jan, think again!  It's doable if you want it!  In January, you earn an additional $100 in free jewelry on top of the 30% benefit and 1/2 price item.  In February, it's $50!  Too put it into perspective:

EXAMPLE: You have a party that closes on Jan 31.  You have 10 orders totaling $1000 (I like easy math).  You earn $400 free jewelry plus a 1/2 price item!  Shipping is free for hostess', but you will pay tax. 

Send me a note, or give me a call if you are interested.

Close to my Heart:  As of February 1st, the new Spring/Summer catalog will be available!  During my monthly Sip and Scrap, I will be sharing examples of our latest items available to order as well as offering door prize drawings through out the evening.  If you haven't heard of Sip and Scrap, you should check it out!  Here's the deal... Sip and Scrap is held at my house the first Saturday of the month.  I provide wine and snacks, and you bring your latest scrapbooking/papercrafting project (digital or paper project) that you just haven't gotten around to working on.  I will provide you the opportunity to use any of my inks, stamps, as well as other community embellishments to help you finish your project!  It's a great time for all! 

Check out my calendar of events for other opportunities in the very near future as well as for blow out sales on some of my retired items!  Happy New Year everyone!!!

Girls on the Run/DC Ragnar Update

Many of you know that I am deeply committed to Girls on the Run Northern Virginia (GOTR NOVA).  The program they offer to our young ladies is so inspiring, and filled with such a great message that I just can't say no to them!  So, over the past few years, I have been coaching at my daughter's elementary school and spreading the message anyway I can.  Let me take you on a journey...

Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a non-profit organization that provides our young ladies with activities and lessons that encourage a high self-esteem, confidence in their abilities/talents, and most importantly, tools to get through the trials and tribulations of growing up as a girl in today's society.  Many girls in our area cannot afford to participate in GOTR without financial assistance.  GOTR NOVA has ensured thousands of girls have been able to take advantage of the many wonderful lessons that the program has to offer season after season.  They can't do that without fundraising!!!

So...

there I was, reading about an opportunity to raise funds for my favorite non-profit organization while participating in this thing called the Ragnar Relay.  HOLY SMOKES!  I don't know what I was thinking when I said "I can do that!" but here I am telling you...  once again.... I can do that!

For those of you that don't know, the Ragnar Relay is a 200 mile (yes I said 200 mile) relay race that spans approximately 36 hours.  We are going to start in the hills (I really mean mountains) of Cumberland, Md and end at our very own National Harbor.  Let me tell you, you never know what you are capable of until you just commit!

So, in 36 days, I will begin the race of a lifetime!  I, along with 11 others, will begin our 200 mile journey on September 21st.  I cannot wait to tell you all about it!  For now, I will just keep you posted on my training and how hilarious it is!

So, for my first GOTR/Ragnar Update... I post my latest pic from a training run with my very loyal partner... Barley.  (Deb, I miss you!  Heal up so you can join me!)

Barley and me just returning from a 5mile night run.
Yes, that's a headlamp.  Even better, I have a "butt" light too :)

If you feel so inclined to donate to the cause, please feel free to hit up my crowdrise page (see links on the side of my blog).  It's super simple to donate, and every dollar counts!  If you don't have the cash, but have some time to spare, check out my other links.  Both organizations (GOTR and RAGNAR) need volunteers to ensure the success of their program. 

In the mean time, follow my blog and I guarantee you will enjoy this journey with me :).

The new catalog is out!

I know many of you were not able to get to my Dine and Drool last Friday night.  Here are a few details of what we went over while munching on some delicious dinner and drooling over all the new Close to my Heart (CTMH) product!

CTMH has really outdone themselves this year!  The new line of home decor paired with the updated new consultant kits are amazing!   This month, while supplies last, CTMH is offering a free bag worth $50 if you sign on as a consultant...

As my newest team member said.... "This is a no-brainer!  I get a great bag, $130 worth of product for $49 and a fantastic discount on all my favorite items!

If you think you don't have time to complete some of these amazing works of art, check out Workshops on the Go (WOTG)!  Each one comes with what you need to complete the project along with a time estimate to complete listed in the catalog.  Next month we will be working on the Scholastic WOTG!  Call me if you are interested in joining me.  Order by 15 August if you intend on joining me on the 1st of the month.

Finally, if digital scrapbooking is for you, check out the latest in Studio J!  We have a new line of Express Collections that will truly save you time and still showcase your most precious memories in beautiful and trendy layouts.  Create an account with me, and get a free layout when you purchase your first project!  If you need me to walk you through your first project, let me know!  Once you get started, you won't be able to quit!  You are going to love it!!

What an Awesome Week!

What a week!  It seems as though as I have been playing catch up since we got home from vacation!!!  It's been a bit crazy, but a lot of fun! 

I started the week off strong with a decent run around the neighborhood Monday night.  It was a bit crazy since it was a new route I was experimenting with.  Note to self... It's not fun to run around giant deer carcasses.  And... Do not run all the way to Rte 50... I never realized that I would have to run down the center of the road just to be seen!  On a good note, I only went off roading through giant weeds once and I came home in one piece!

Tuesday night I hit Tae Kwon Do again for the first time in about 7 months.  Holy sore muscles Batman!  It was fun, but I will admit... I am not 20 anymore.  After "warm-ups" where they proceeded to kick my booty, we moved on to drills where you had to soar (yes, I said soar) over obstacles...  It wasn't long before I decided it was time to drop down a few lines (I joined the short people line) to ensure I would live to fight another day!

Then, I had the opportunity to work on some of the latest Workshops on the Go from Close to my Heart!  I cannot wait to share them with everyone during my catalog kick off party next Friday night!  I know many of you are on vacation during the actual shin dig, but do not fear!!!  I will make time to share them with you another day. Call me to schedule a time!

My fellow Girls on the Run RAGNAR Relay Teammate, Deb Cobb, joined me Saturday evening for an amazing race.  We ran the WO&D 10K!  It wasn't my best run, but it sure was fun!  We made some new friends (yes I talk to everyone!) and possibly managed to drum up some free samples for our relay team!

We ended the week on a great note!  We finally broke down and tried a new church.  I think this is going to be the beginning of a wonderful journey with my family.  It was a beautiful mass.  We were able to witness a new member of the community receive her baptism and had Muffin Sunday!  My girls were hoping for Do-nut Sunday, or Breakfast Taco Sunday... but I had to remind them this isn't San Antonio.  Maybe we could volunteer in the kitchen and show them how its done!  I'll have to think about that one...

It was a fun filled week all around!  Next week, I should be posting some artwork.  Follow my blog to see the latest!

Until then...

Home Sweet Home!

Well, I just returned home from Texas and I am glad to be back!  I had a blast at the CTMH Convention in Dallas followed by a very relaxing vacation at our timeshare in Bandera, TX with the Hassall family!  The entire clan hit the water park just about everyday!  We played basketball, tennis, went horseback riding, fishing, rode wagons and hit up Sea World in San Antonio!  It was busy, but relaxing all just the same :).  As much as I am glad to be home, we already miss our friends and family from TX!

Anna with her first fish

Sarah hoping for one to

Now that we have caught up on laundry and are nearly prepared for the week, I get to open the shipment from CTMH!!!  My convention items are in!  I cannot wait till I can sit down and work on my new projects in preparation for my Open House on August 3rd!  I love the latest in home decor and scrapbooking products!  Can't wait!!!

Mischief Workshop!!!

Sunday, I had the most fabulous time scrapbooking the Close to my Heart (CTMH) Mischief Workshop On The Go!  It was awesome getting to hang out for some much needed girl time!

And... I am so excited to announce we have a new member of our CTMH team!  Sherri Stern has decided to sign on as a Close to my Heart Consultant.  Welcome to our team!  We are very excited to have you!!!

Finally, one of my best friends in the world is flying in from San Antonio TX to help me kick off my new adventure as a CTMH consultant.  We are hosting an Open House showcasing some our latest papercrafting projects!  The new Cricut Art Philosophy is most excellent!  I made 55 roses in about an hour!  Come see how I used them to make a topiary.  Not to mention, hourly drawings for prizes and chances to make a few little items to take home. 

Hope to see you there!