Celebrating 10 Years with CTMH

August marks my 10 year anniversary with Close to My Heart!! Wow, how time flies when you're having fun.  It's been an amazing decade and I wanted to share 10 reasons, in no particular order, why I LOVE CTMH & what I do.

10 years!! Celebrating in Orlando at the 2016 Annual Convention

#1 -- traveling to all the inspiring, educating, & motivating CTMH events!

Disney World - Hollywood Studios in Orlando, FL, June 2016

I have now gone to:

• 6 conventions, including Disneyland, Disney World & Dallas
• 4 Album Retreats, which are exclusive for consultants only (corporate spoils us as we create a 20 page album in a weekend!)
• other fun team, training, and regional events

These are totally worth it, not only for the product and the project we get to create, but the networking, relationship building, and educational aspects!!

#2 -- My CTMH Sisters

The friendships I have made over the years, not only with my CTMH sisters, but my local scrappers, are beyond priceless.  They (YOU) are my reason for still doing what I do.

#3 -- The high quality, amazing, and versatile product lines

Hands-down the best product I've come across. I'm so utterly happy with CTMH, I rarely buy anything else.  I only own a Disney specific Cricut cartridge because I don't need any others beyond the CTMH collections.  The papers are versatile and support all my needs.  Unless it is something very specific I need, CTMH is my happy place. #lovethesmellofnewpaper

#4 -- supporting my habit

I joined CTMH to support my habit. Falling in love with the products, I needed more!!! FULL ACCESS hahahaha.  I get the inside scoop on all the upcoming promotions, limited-edition products, and a 22% discount / commission.  

#5 -- My team - Hearts of Inspiration

Over the years, I've had the wonderful honor of being the upline to a handful of girls who love scrappin' too.  It's great getting to know them more & sharing our passion for crafting.

#6 -- My BESTIES!!!

I've been very fortunate to meet my besties over the last ten years.  They're my sidekicks, a shoulder to lean on, the kick in the pants I need, the peeps I share my ups & downs with, and simply just my besties.  I love them and so glad we are part of each other's lives.

#7 -- finding Sticky Boy

I found another one!!! Orlando, FL - June 2016

Yup, I'm a total nerd.  Sticky Boy is Jeanette's first stamp she ever created and we can only find him at convention.  It's a fun tradition to go hunting for Sticky Boy. This year, he found Sticky Girl. :)

#8 -- creating and scrapbooking my memories

It feels me with joy and pride to see a project come together. Capturing my trips, memories and the people in my life is my creative outlet. :)  I especially love watching people look through my scrapbooks.

#9 -- being the 1 of 4 "DENISE" consultants

My bestie Jen took me on the 2015-16 CTMH Incentive Trip to the Caribbean. During that trip, me and the other Denise's realized we were all together and there are only 4 of us as consultants. Thus, the fun photo above. :)  We like being unique and having fun ties like this.  You'll find there are many more within the CTMH family.  Roomie gifts, fun team-specific things, recognition, etc. What can I say?!? We are a fun group of gals!

#10 -- making a difference in the lives of children, through Operation Smile

The other cool thing I love about being a consultant is that Close to My Heart supports Operation Smile.  It takes $240 to change a child's life and get their smile burning bright.  A portion of each My Acrylix stamp goes to Operation Smile, as well as any donations (round up those orders!!) & purchases of the Operation Smile featured stamp set or logo wear.  I'll have to share some of the videos I've shared on my Facebook page on here.  #bringonthetissues #bringonthesmiles

THANK YOU for making these 10 years awesome.

From the bottom of my heart, I have enjoyed your company, appreciate your support, and love to inspire you.  I know I have not always been able to be consistent (in creating or leadership) for various things, and again, thank you for hanging in there with me.  It has been fulfilling to have grown so much creatively, personally, and as a consultant.  Close to My Heart simply rocks in how they support us, create for and inspire us, and strive to continue leading the way in the papercrafting industry & I'm so glad I found them.  My life has been enriched ten fold over these past 10 years & am looking forward to many more!!

Convention

Last week, Close to My Heart's annual convention takes place in Anaheim, CA at the Disneyland Hotel.  All of us consultants got together to learn, grow, laugh, get crafty with new products, and get excited about all the new goodies coming our way in the upcoming months.

I posted info to my Facebook page - www.facebook.com/Inspired.By.D - check it out & make sure to LIKE it while you're there to stay up-to-date on everything!

The new 2015-16 Annual Inspirations Idea book and products become available  September 1st.  Since this is a month later than last year, CTMH is release a new My Reflections Paper Pack, Zoe, and its coordinating complements, assortment and embellishments August 1st.  Additionally, the newest Cricut collection {Artistry}will also be available on this date also!!!

There is going to be an awesome promotion coming your way in August as well. 

Want to go to convention next year??  Let's chat about the amazing opportunity with Close to My Heart!!

Happy 4th of July!!

Wishing you all a fun and safe 4th of July with your friends and family!!

One-of-a-Kind Project Life Cards!!

I've talked about Studio J (CTMH's digital scrapbooking program) before - it's FREE to use and access; doesn't require anything to be downloaded; and CTMH prints them out for you on high quality photo paper.  

This program is SUPER flexible.  It not only allows you to create custom or pre-designed (express collections) 12x12 layouts, but also customize sized photos of your choice & customized Picture My Life (CTMH's version of Project Life) cards.  Yup, you read that right!  For more details, visit the Studio J page here on my blog.

I recently combined Studio J and Picture My Life (PML) together in beautiful harmony.  Here they are my custom designed PML Cards!

I utilized the paper packs, cardstock, MyStickease, and coordinating accessories.  Aren't they adorable?!  Cut them up and round those corners and woo-la, custom PML cards.

These sets are EXCLUSIVE through me only...unless you wanted to try to create your own.  If not, each of these sets are $15 each, which includes S&H.  TO ORDER: Click the Paypal icon at the top left side of my blog to order your original PML cards.

If you want original Disney PML cards or additional Christmas PML cards, check out my sideline Jen's blog for more options!  Roxybonds Scrappin

More Studio J info or to access Studio J, click here to visit my website.

Thanks for stopping by!

How to Create Your Own PML Cards:

1. Log In to Studio J
1. Same account info when purchasing from my website
2. Create a New Project (name it)
3. Click "Upload Photos Later"
4. Click "Create Your Own Custom Layout"
5. Select ANY of the papers and click "Continue" at the bottom right side
1. The paper you select is the one you will create with
6. Select the "No Limits" layout and click "Continue" again
7. Select any of the Kit Mixes and click "Continue" again
8. Click on the "Place Image Here" box to show the pop up box so you can change the size of the box
9. Click the T button at the top right to change the box to a dialog box
1. this will allow you to add papers and create your cards
10. Change the size of the text box to 6x4, 4x6, 3x4, or 4x3 - depending on where you want to start
1. you can get 17 PML cards per 2-page layout
11. Place & align each box up on the layout
12. Have fun creating!  Possibilities are endless!!

Happy New Year!!

Wow.. How time flies!! I thought I'd continue the inspiration from Wendy over at Stamping Rules! and write a fun list focusing on the new year.  I am not a fan of resolutions .. So this is a list of goals and things to look forward too.

1) travel - it's a must!! Most of my BFFs are scattered in different states: CA to CO to ID to MN to MI - any time I get to see them is fabulous. I also really want to get back to the Caribbean (waiting two years for this!),  plus I have all my fun CTMH events to go to & get motivated, inspired & catch up with my friends.

2) new wheels - I love my car, but she has done her time. 13.5 years and 284,200+ miles...it's time for new wheels. Bitter sweet.

3) books - I have an ever growing list of books to read. The GoodReads app helps me track my to-read list; if not for it, I'd be missing out!! I have two trilogies to devour and I can't wait for the final book in The Kingkiller Chronicles series to be released next year!!

4) challenges - there are a handful of blogs out there that inspire us crafters weekly with a new challenge. Whether it's by color or a sketch, there is always something new to work on & get inspired by others' work who participate. I really want to start creating for more challenges regularly to help stabilize my crafty mojo. 

5) classes - I am signing up for a Big Picture Classes course - Create & Share.  It's been on my bucket list and I'm doing it!  Looking forward to the creative inspiration and motivation.

I am sure there are more things, but this is all I can think of for now!  What are you looking forward to and what are your goals for 2014?  

PRIZE ALERT:  If you go like my facebook page - www.facebook.com/inspired.by.d - and leave a comment in my prize post, you could win any size A stamp of your choice!!

Reflecting Back On 2013

This year has been A-M-A-Z-I-N-G and I am extremely thankful for all my experiences, memories & accomplishments. I thought I'd take some inspiration from Wendy over at Stamping Rules! and write a fun list focusing on 2013.

Now before you get your hopes up, my list isn't going to be as awesome at her lists are, but it's an appropriate format for something I have been thinking about sharing for a while. 

1) Family - we seem to have bonded and grown closer this year, which is hard to believe because we're a tight knit group already! As far as big events goes, we celebrated my youngest nephew graduating from high school and my Gram's 95th birthday!  They are my rocks and I don't know what I'd do without them. Love you all!!

2) Close to My Heart Events - I am not sure how I pulled so much travel off this year, but somehow my "strategy" of just go, worked!  My travels took me to 2 CTMH Album Retreats and the CTMH convention in Orlando.  I was able to see two of my BFFs during these travels too - bonus!  I had so much fun!!  Thank you for making these events possible for me.  

In April, I also attended Stamp Camp - it's a weekend getaway for us local scrappers (including some CTMH consultants), just to be disconnected & have a fun productive time.

Album Retreat in Salt Lake, UT (March)

Convention in Orlando, FL at Disneyworld (June)

Album Retreat in Salt Lake, UT (October)

3) Go Blue! - My BFFs took me to my first Michigan football game. It was such a fun and surreal experience. Those big schools are serious about their football. LOVED it!! The Big House was crazy & I am hooked. I promised to take my brother to a game since I beat him too it. Hehe

4) Friends - I love and adore my friends. Life would be difficult and boring without them. My BFFs, who, regardless of the distance between us, are some of the most important people in my life. I also have my work peeps, soccer peeps, CTMH peeps, Fair peeps, and long-time peeps from school. This year has definitely had it's challenges & it has reminded me how fortunate I am to have each person in my life. You all make a difference in me. 

5) Ankle! - In August, I celebrated my one year anniversary to my first ever life altering injury - an ankle sprain. I sprained it again 5 months later (January 2013); next month will mark the second one-year anniversary. It's an accomplishment I do not want to take for granted. 

6) Student loan - I paid it off!! Enough said. 

7) Golfing - I learned to play golf this year...my work friends finally convinced me and I am hooked.  I have only been out a handful of times, but I'm getting it.  On my second time out, I hit the green when I shot from where you tee-off... ya I am still learning all the lingo, so don't laugh too much!  I am looking forward to getting out on the green more next year.

8) Soccer - Playing soccer is a passion and it helps keep me active/fit, while I get to spend time with some talented and great people.  I am now playing on 3 indoor teams each week!  The more I play, the better I am.  I'm no Alex Morgan, but I believe I can hold my own and contribute.  I primarily play forward and then I also split the time in the goal for one team.  It's a blast!  My Monday team won a session Championship too!!  

9) Just Fun -  Throughout the year, I got to go and do lots of things: watched my cousin play competitive soccer; go to a Cirque du Soleil show in San Francisco; a handful of crab feeds; outings with friends; wine tasting; Giants baseball game with my cousins, etc.. I also got to go to watch Women's National Soccer Team play against New Zealand - what a blast!!

10) CTMH Success!! - I really wanted to focus on the CTMH business this year.. Going to each of the CTMH events helped with my inspiration, motivation and business strategy.  I joined Instagram (love it!) & eventually Twitter (reluctantly but only because I have a program that automatically tweets for me).  In addition, I started this blog and created a specific Facebook business page - all of this in hopes to better inspire you and grow my customer base.  To keep my creative mojo flowing, I have participated in a handful of blog challenges and even won a couple of the Color Dare ones!  I am happy with my accomplishments in this area - sometimes I don't know how some of the other consultants find the time. lol  Throughout this past year, I also created 3 (or more) albums for Make-A-Wish wish recipients - it is an honor to give them something to cherish and remember their wish with!

THANK YOU again for helping make what I do possible.  Happy New Year!!