Sunday, July 15, 2012

Artiste

Here is a video of the new Cricut cartridge "Artiste" that is offered by Close To My Heart as of August 1st. Enjoy!!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Work in Progress Album







This handy 12x12 binder album comes with a protective case. Before I had an album like this, I would just use a regular album to store projects that I was working on, which resulted in a lot of wear and tear on the albums. It was also difficult to change layouts around. But since I've been using this, it's been a lot easier to keep all my projects in order and I even combine different projects into the album. For example, I'm working on our family album for 2010 and one for one of my children. I can have all the projects together and then when I'm done, I just put them into a regular album and it is ready for viewing.

Update

Hi All,
I'm sorry I haven't posted in such a long time. I've really been struggling with my business. I live in such a small town and know very few people here. I had an open house on June 30th, and really put a lot of effort into it. It was mentioned three times in the local paper, and I was sure it would be a success. But when that day came only two people showed up. I was so discouraged...I just didn't do anything with the business for a week. Then I called my upline (who was there to support me for that day) and we talked about my options. I hate to just quit the business, so I think I'll just be content to be a junior consultant for awhile.

Peanut is doing well...he's got such long legs now and can jump so high. It's fun to play "keep away" with him. He's been going to work with me and he's learning to be more sociable instead of barking non-stop at people when they come into the shop.

Hope you all had a nice Fourth of July and that your summer is going well :) Take care!

Monday, June 18, 2012

Pin Flags










Make a darling accent from your paper scraps by trimming a complementary banner and wrapping it around a pin from the Bling assortment (Z1466) to form a small pin flag.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Peanut update

Thought I'd update you on Peanut. We're still working on potty training, but he is getting better about using the potty pads. He likes to lay across the top of my shoulders or on my stomach to take his naps. In so many ways he reminds me of a baby. Tonight he had worn himself out and was sleeping on my belly, so I decided to put him to bed. So I put him in his crate (which has a very cushy pillow in it), and instead of going to sleep he started whining... just like a fussy baby. If he's up in the recliner with me and I leave him there to go get a drink or something, he's fine until he can't see me anymore. Then he starts crying. I just love him so much...I'm so glad I went and got him. He makes my life more enjoyable, and I don't miss my hubby quite so desperately.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

blank notecards

I have been making blank notecards to sell at our local Farmer's Market. I made them 10 to a package, and a lot of them were done using the Dotty paper pack. Here are some pictures of what I'v been doing.







Monday, June 4, 2012

Studio J

Let's Go Digital!!



Become a Studio J® member to enjoy our best pricing plus fabulous members-only benefits. It’s the perfect way to stay up to date on your scrapbooking without breaking the bank, even if you lead a busy life.


Full Retail

You’ve taken the photos—now keep the memories. In five easy steps, create beautiful 12" × 12" two-page layouts showcasing your stories. When the custom prints arrive at your door, slip them into your cherished albums. No one will guess it only took a few minutes to design them!

Purchase Option & Price
Per two-page, custom-printed layout, $13.00
Shipping per box of up to 20 layouts, $5.95 US / $13.95 CAN


Membership

Save an amazing 50% off retail price by becoming a Studio J® member. Only members receive free JPG files of their layouts with each purchased custom-printed layout and also have the option to purchase JPG files separately. JPG files come in both high resolution and thumbnail sizes to print, share, or archive. Membership comes with other perks like exclusive patterns, kits, and free Memory Protectors®. On top of all that, members also get free shipping on one order per month that has a total of 4 to 20 layouts in the continental US or 7 to 20 layouts in Canada and non-continental US shipping zones.




For more information and to sign-up now, click on the CTMH button on the top left corner of this post and go to my CTMN site to shop.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Operation Smile

Who is Operation Smile®?


The Mission of Operation Smile

Throughout the world, Operation Smile volunteers repair childhood facial deformities while building public and private partnerships that advocate for sustainable healthcare systems for children and families. Together we create smiles, change lives, and heal humanity.

Making It Happen

Operation Smile® fulfills its mission with five programs:
•International Medical Missions: Operation Smile coordinates more than 30 medical mission sties in 25 countries annually. Last year, medical volunteers provided free surgeries for 9,221 children through international and local in-country medical missions.
•Chapters and Foundations
•U.S. Care Network
•Education
•Student Programs

Join the Effort

When choosing to support Operation Smile, Close to My Heart and its Consultants choose to support children with facial deformities all over the world. Your money and time help sustain a charity that has helped over 100,000 children in the past 25 years. With your help, even more children can be helped in the years to come.

Ask me how you can help children worldwide by supporting Operation Smile!

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Become a Consultant...a career you'll love

Would you love being your own boss? Setting your own work hours? Teaching others how to papercraft and preserve their memories? Being a part of a fun-loving community of like-minded Consultants? Getting paid for doing something you love? As a Close To My Heart Independent Consultant, you can do all these things and more!

Signing up is easy with our online application. For just $99, you'll get a New Consultant Kit loaded with business supplies and new products to start your business. The kit is a retail value of over $288, but it can be yours for just $99.



Now is the time to make a difference in your life! Follow this link Close To My Heart and click on the "Opportunities" tab at the top of the page to fill out the application.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Did You Know?



•My Acrylix stamps are ready to use right out of the package—no cutting out, mounting, or applying stickers required. Just place the stamp on your block, apply ink, and you’re set!
•My Acrylix stamps and blocks are clear, making it easy to stamp in exactly the right spot.
•My Acrylix stamps can be used to create a variety of popular looks

◦creating your own patterned paper

◦sponging on multiple inks for single-impression, multi-color images

•Many My Acrylix stamps coordinate with Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge shapes, giving you lots of creative possibilities. Cut the shape on your Cricut® machine, stamp the image on the shape, and attach to your project! In the Idea Book, the images outlined in red coordinate with Cricut® shapes.


•My Acrylix stamps are super easy to maintain, store, and transport.


Get ready for a great Stampaganza! You'll LOVE our stamps. I do.



Monday, May 21, 2012

Life with Peanut

Well, my Peanut has me wiped out! He sleeps through the night (thank you, Lord), does most of his business on the poddy pads, cries very little, etc. So I don't know how exhausted I would be if he wasn't doing all those things! But...I'm on my feet a lot cleaning up after him, am worried because he doesn't seem to pick up on the danger of the wheelchair, etc....then again, it's only been 2 days. After playing hard, he loves to lay on Mama's chair (and usually on Mama) to take a nap. This is the part I love the most. It's so relaxing that I end up napping with him.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Stampaganza

Now back to some Close to my Heart. Next month is Stampganza!!!

What is Stampganza???? During the month of June CTMH is offering buy 2 get one free on all stamp sets!!! How awesome is that!

Stay tuned for more posts about that special!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

I Did It

Hi all....I did it. I bought a puppy. I think he is just the cutest thing I've ever seen. I'm still thinking about names for him, but right "Peanut" seems to be the number 1 choice. Leave me a comment and tell me what you think would be a good name.


Thanks for seeing me through this one :)

Monday, May 7, 2012

Puppy Time part 2

I had 2 parties this past weekend, so I'm pleased about that. But I have none on my calendar at this point, though I have 3 people who are interested in booking for later this summer.

I found some Pomeranian puppies for sale in the newspaper, so I called and talked to the woman who is selling them. She wants $400 each and I was very tempted...actually made an appointment to go out and look at them tomorrow. But I prayed about and felt God was telling me to wait. So I called her back and cancelled. Now I'm feeling very discouraged. Anyone who says that living your faith is easy is nuts! I'm lonely and I want a puppy!!!...so I'm having a temper tantrum now.

Ok, I guess I'll try to be over it now. Realistically I know it's probably not a good idea to have a brand new puppy in this apartment. It's so cramped and crowded in here the poor little thing could get lost or stepped on very easily, beside the fact that I really shouldn't spend that kind of money on a pet. Anyway it was hard but I said no, at least for now. If I find a puppy for free, I getting it.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Puppy time

A lot of my thinking has been taken up lately with the idea of getting a puppy. I've looked into various hybrid X-breeds, as well as pure breds. I think it's come down to wanting to rescue a puppy that needs help. I live in a small apartment so I know I definately want a very small dog.

I've also given a lot of thought to the age of dog I want...a young adult dog or a puppy? My daughter just about has me convinced that I want a puppy. The only hesitation I have is with me being in a wheelchair, I'm afraid the potty training might be too much for me. But I know from experience that once a dog has been trained to go outside, they don't understand when you try to retrain them to go on wee wee pads. And that's what I want...either the wee wee pads or a litter box. It's just too hard for me to take the dog out during out Montana winters.

That's the reason I let our little Gracie go. Before my husband died we had a little Shih Tzu/Maltese mix that we loved dearly. But when he passed I knew I wasn't capable of taking care of her the way she was use to, so I let her go live with my daughter. They are so attached to one another now that I would never dream of asking for her back, but I find myself wanting that companionship again...hence, all the puppy thinking.

I do know that I prefer long haired dogs as apposed to short haired like a chihuahua. And I prefer females over males.

Do you have a little friend that helps make up for the loss of a loved one?....who provides companionship when you're lonely? Write a comment and tell me about it. I may showcase your little buddy here on my blog.

Friday, April 27, 2012

My Boy

It's been a rough week, but is finally coming to an end (YEAH!) I've been busy making stationary cards to sell at our local farmer's market. I've got sets made so far, and have 10 more to go. Tomorrow my daughter and I are meeting at my Mom's house to do some scrapbooking. I'll be working on my nephew's album. I'm having a hard time getting to work on it as I've got these cards all over my scrap space. But I've got less than a month to get this album done...talk about pressure.

Thought I'd share another layout with you. This is a layout of my grandson when he was just a little guy. I wish the picture was better but it was done a few years ago with a different camera. You can get the idea. The word along the side of the layout is "TREASURE."


Glad you could stop by. See you again soon :)

Monday, April 23, 2012

Just a quick note tonight...I promised a set of Sassy Strands to one lucky winner. They go to Josie...send me your mailing address at megan@megansmemorybooks.com, and I'll stick them in the mail for you :)

Thanks to both ladies who commented.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Lonesome Town

Hello Everybody,
It's been awhile since I wrote. I've posted a few times, but I haven't really written since my first post. I'm feeling a little lonely today so maybe that 's put me in the mood to write...to feel that there's somebody out there who cares enough to listen. Oh, I know that there are plenty of people in my life who care, but it's not the same as when Rick was alive, and I could just talk to him without leaving the comfort of my recliner. Now that sounds lazy, doesn't it? I don't mean it to, it's just that it would be nice to have an "armchair" conversation with my honeyman again...boy! how I miss that man.

Anyway, I'm feeling at a crossroads (if that's the right word) in my business. There's no doubt for me that I will continue to work my business - the best is yet to come, as they say. But I need to find some way to get my face and my name known in our community, so that people will feel comfortable with me. I tend to stay home most of the time and haven't gotten to know many people here. It's just that we live in an older town and there are very FEW places I can get into in my wheelchair. The only business that has bothered to put a little ramp up to their doorway is the place where I work. No one else in town has bothered....which doesn't really give one a very welcome feel.

Back to getting my face known. What do you think is the best way to do that? I went to Bingo last week, and I'm planning to do the Saturday morning farmer's market where I can sell crafts that I've made. But I still need to find a way to make bookings. I know.... leave me a post giving me your suggestion and I'll put your name in a drawing. The lucky winner will win a package of Sassy Strands.

Guess that's it for now. I'm looking forward to see what you recommend.

Tata

Friday, April 20, 2012

A Perfect Pair

I'm so excited! I just got my Art Philosophy Cartridge and can't wait to start making all kinds of cute goodies. Watch the video below and you'll understand my excitement :)




Create cute banners for any occasion or for any loved one quickly and easily using Close To My Heart's new My Creations® mini banner and our Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge. It's a perfect pair of coordinating products!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

It's Dotty Time



Yay! The Dotty for You promotion starts today! If you place a $35 order from the current Idea Book, then you can get this great paper packet for only $5! PLUS, if you host a $400 gathering or sign up to become a CTMH Consultant this month, you will get it for FREE!

Let me know if you’d like to schedule your own Home Gathering with your friends or set up an online virtual party where your friends can order online, their orders get shipped directly to them, and you (as the hostess) will reap the benefits and get all of the hostess rewards! *Ü*

Click the link on the top left of the page to start shopping, or call me today to
schedule your own Home Gathering.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

G - R - A - D

Hello All,
It's been a busy few days since I last posted.  I just got home from an all-day crop and am putting my feet up for a bit.  Then will probably get back at scrapping in my nephew's album again.  I scrapped an album for another nephew last year, and thought I'd share a page out of his album with ya'll.



Hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Take care

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Busy, Busy, Busy

My sincerest apologies to my dear followers for not blogging more often.  I think this has been one of the busiest weeks of my life.  I'm not getting much scrapbooking done, but plan to go to a crop on Saturday so that I can  get some pages done.  I fear I am not much of a card maker - it just doesn't seem to come naturally to me like it does to some people.  If you're not a card maker and are up for a challenge, come join me at Close to My Heart.  I'm not one to shy away from a challenge, so we can learn together.

I worked on Monday until 6:00.  Then Tuesday my Home Aide came in the morning, I went and got the snow tires removed and street tires put on, after which I went and did the grocery shopping.  This morning a travelled over 50 miles to the IRS office to get help with my taxes, only to find out they couldn't help me. This evening I was suppose to meet my upline for a class she is doing with her club.  But she lives 45 minutes away and I didn't want to drive over the mtn pass coming home after dark tonight, so decided to wait and do the class another time.  Tomorrow morning my Home Aide comes again, I meet with the accountant who is going to help me, and then I meet with my upline and sideline for a meeting in the afternoon.  Friday the Home Aide comes again, and I meet a friend for lunch.  Saturday is the all day crop I am attending, and Sunday is church.  Usually when I am this busy my feet give me a lot of trouble and I end up in pain for days.  But there are only a couple of things that are optional in my week...lunch with my friend which we've been putting off for too long, and the crop.  However, I don't want to give up the crop because I'm so busy at home that I'm not getting any scrapping done, and I'm really on a time crunch with my nephew's album.  Please pray that I can get that done in the near future.

Since I don't have any current pictures to upload for you, I decided I will post an oldie but goodie - me as a baby :)  Hope you enjoy it!



Guess that catches us up for now.  Will write again as I have a chance.  Blessings to all of you.
Megan

Sunday, April 8, 2012

The Degrees of Scrapbooking

Happy Easter Everyone,
I hope ya'll had a good day.  I spent it at church and with most of my family so
it was a pleasant one for me.

I'm working very hard on my new Close To My Heart business.  It's not going
exactly as I'd hoped, but it's only been six weeks, so I tell myself not to be dis-
couraged.  I've only had 2 Gatherings and 1 workshop so far, but still doing well.
One of the things I've been working on is getting my degrees in scrapbooking. 
Last night I finished the last class for my Bachelor's Degree (yoohoo for me!!). 
Tonight I will start a new class toward the next degree and be on my way again.

Goodnight to All

Friday, April 6, 2012

Snow in April

Good evening all,
As promised I have been working on my nephew's graduation album.  I have the first
few layouts done, and thought I would post a picture.


Would you believe we woke up to about a foot of snow this morning.  Very un-
pleasant way to start the day, especially when I had to run several errands.  We
had hardly any snow all winter, and now that it is Spring we have a mini snow
storm.  Actually we were rather fortunate.  I have a sister who lives about 25 miles
from us, and her poor husband was shoveling snow all day.  Two feet of the stuff
up on their roof alone, and the last time I talked to her it was still snowing there. 
I guess when you live in a small town in Montana this is the risk you run.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Stamp of the Month



Each month Close To My Heart offers a special stamp set available that month only. Customers can purchase the Stamp of the Month at full retail price for $17.95 or at a discount with their qualifying purchase.  Spend $50.00 on my Close to My Heart website and get that month's stamp for only $5.00...great deal!!


And if you spend over $100.00, you can purchase two of the stamp sets.  Isn't that great?!  What a wonderful gift to give someone special.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Hello

Hi All,
This is my first post.  I've been kind of stumped as to how to start
this first post, and it was recommended that I just type as though I
were talking to an old friend....so here goes.

I am an independent consultant with Close to My Heart.  I just
signed up in February so this is still pretty new to me - all the posting
and websites and newsletters, etc.  Besides doing CTMH, I'm also
trying to start a small business on the side making albums for other
people, selling cards and other things at craft shows, etc.  I'm currently
working on my nephews graduation album which will be a gift.  It's
turning into quite the project and I think I have way too many layouts -
going on 60 and I'm just now getting to his prom.  Not sure they'll all
fit in the album, so I may need to weed some of them out which is a
shame.

At the same time that I signed on with Close to My Heart I was hired
to work part-time at a little shop here in our small town.  It's just a
small consignment shop, but we do lots of extra things too.  We are a
drop off point for UPS. Plus we answer phones for some businesses,
etc.  We sell a little bit of everything in the shop and it's got quite a
learning curve.

It's all been kind of a heavy load to start all at once as I haven't worked
in over 20 years.  You see I am disabled and in a wheelchair.  I have
had a very wonderful husband who took great care of me, and I'm
afraid I may have taken that a little bit for granted.  My dear, sweet
husband died this past August.  I was always afraid that if something
happened to him I would end up in a nursing home.  I am only in my
50s, and that was a totally unappealing thought. So it has become up
to me to take care of myself after all this time.  I must say that I'm
surprised at how well I'm doing.  I miss my Honeyman fiercely, but
am kinda proud of myself at the same time.  I know he would be proud
of me.

Guess that's it for now.  When I get out of the planning stages and
have some actual pages done in this graduation album, I'll post some
pictures.  Please feel free to leave comments.  I'd love to get to know
some of you.

TaTa for now.