Laurie Warta

Studio J - FREE JPG this month!

2011-06-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

During June, CTMH is giving you a FREE Studio J^® JPG file, with no purchase required! Simply log on to Studio J^® during this month, create a layout with your favorite products, then order one JPG file of your layout while checking out. No other purchase is required...you have nothing to lose and one beautiful layout to gain! Once you've ordered it, post it on your favorite social media site and share with all of your friends.

New Customers: log on to Studio J, create an account (no purchase required), then start experiencing Studio J..

Returning Customers: log into your account, create your layout, then order your FREE JPG as you check out.

There's more information here.

June Stamp of the Month: Jubilation - set of 24

Here is the entire set!

...and beautiful artwork!...and many ways to purchase it - or better yet - earn it FREE!

I'd love to see the layout you create this month for free! Be sure to email me with a link to where your JPG is posted. I'd love to see it!

Have a blessed day!

Laurie

April 2011 Specials

2011-04-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

Sparkly Sparkly! You're gonna love this one! During April 2011, Studio J® members will receive one free package of self-adhesive clear Sparkles and Opaques Pearl adhesive gems to add shine and glitz to your custom-printed layouts. Visit my website to learn more about Studio J scrapbooking.

April Stamp of the Month

With the start of a new month comes new specials! The April Stamp of the Month, Blessed, has a unique flair making it perfect for spring projects and beyond. It's a set of 12 stamps that you're sure to love, love, love!

See you soon~

Laurie

March 2011 Stamp of the Month

2011-03-13T21:56:00.000-07:00

So totally Easter! This traditional spring set will have you reliving the days of childhood and the story of Peter Rabbit! Coloring brings tranquility to your art so spend a few minutes with chalks, pens, or markers to add some dreamy soft colors to your stamped images. Visit My Website to place an order than includes Sentimental Seasons (set of 10), the March Stamp of the Month.

March MyCTMH special! Place a $35 minimum order and you will receive a special gift in the mail from me. Offer good through March 31, so tell your friends and family, fellow stampers, and scrapbookers! Be sure to leave a comment, too.

See you again soon!
~Laurie

2011-02-16T20:01:00.000-08:00

Day 18/28 Tips, Techniques, and Training Tidbits - Studio J®

Ah, here's a terrific tip for you today...it has to do with your Studio J® real estate!
Below your workspace, you'll likely see thumbnails of all of the layouts you've created for this project. You can buy yourself more real estate (working area) by collapsing the thumbnails. Expand them to see all of your projects at a glance.

Until tomorrow~
Laurie

2011-02-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

Day 17/28 Tips, Techniques, and Training Tidbits - Studio J®

I've been showing you the filing cabinet over the last couple of days so let's keep exploring...

In the filing cabinet on the left of your Studio J® work area, click on the My Stickease tab. There are several sub-folders so click on the arrow to the right of Alphabet and more options will drop down for you. You won't believe the My Stickease® selections you have at your fingertips. The best part is that you can use them over and over and over and over....and...over! You never run out of My Stickease®.

By now, you should be convinced that being a Studio J® member is right for you! Don't wait any longer...visit my website then click on Studio J® Scrapbooking. This could quite possibly be the answer to your many, many digital image files!

More tomorrow~
Laurie

2011-02-16T19:07:00.003-08:00

Day 16/28 Tips, Techniques, and Training Tidbits - Studio J®

Want to see lots and lots of fun examples of layouts created in Studio J? Click here then to go Art Gallery and be prepared to be inspired!

Embellishments are sinch to add to your layouts. In the filing cabinet on the left of your Studio J® work area, click on the Embellishments tab. There are several sub-folders so click on the arrow to the right of Buttons and more options will drop down for you. Select the embellishment of your choice then the color. Now you're ready to drag that embellishment right over to your layout. Add as many buttons, brads, ribbons and more with the click of a button!

To become a Studio J® member, visit my website then click on Studio J® Scrapbooking. You're just a couple of clicks away from hours and hours of fun!

More tomorrow~
Laurie

2011-02-16T19:07:00.001-08:00

Day 15/28 Tips, Techniques, and Training Tidbits - Studio J®

Expanding the "Text" tab in the filing cabinet on the left side of your window gives you access to several text boxes. Simply click on one of your choice:

Quick Title Tool
Title Area
Journaling Area

...then, while keeping it clicked with your mouse, drag it onto your layout and place it where you'd like. You can move them around, delete them, or add more areas. You'll know it's ready to be dropped onto your layout because of the green "+" symbol.

Go get creative!
Laurie

2011-02-16T19:05:00.000-08:00

Day 14/28 Tips, Techniques, and Training Tidbits - Studio J®

Today's tip is such a great one...There is a tool bar just above your workspace. The first tool is a zoom tool and it reads "100%". Click on the arrow to the right and you'll see a slider bar with a "+" and "-". Use this slider to zoom in and out to check for details. This is especially convenient for adding or editing small details such as ribbon in buttons.

Are you having fun playing around with Studio J® and your new skills yet? I hope so!

See you tomorrow~
Laurie

2011-02-16T19:00:00.001-08:00

Day 13/28 Tips, Techniques, and Training Tidbits - Studio J®

A big congratulations and "Thank You" to all of you who took advantage of the FREEBIE DAY (February 11) by purchasing a one-year membership! That's what this blog is all about...information, inspiration, creativity, and pampering.

Another great perk to Studio J is the fact that you will receive an e-mail notice when your projects are going to expire. Don't worry, though...you will have plenty of notice before they expire! Your active projects will be saved for up to 90 days. You extend that timeline for your active projects each time you make a purchase. Purchased projects will remain archived for one full year after purchase. How handy is that?!

When you have an incomplete project (layout), you can come back to it at a later time to continue your work or make a purchase.

See you tomorrow~
Laurie

2011-02-09T08:46:00.000-08:00

Day 12/28 Tips, Techniques, and Training Tidbits - Studio J®

There are many amazing features of Studio J that we have yet to discover! Today I'd like to teach you how to switch paper (both cardstock and background and texture). Let's say you have your layout all selected but when you start to add photos, the background color or pattern is too busy, too plain, or just the wrong color. Here's where the power of Studio J comes in...simply click within the color or pattern to select it (indicated by a blue outline). With it selected, now go to the filing cabinet (the tabs along the left side of the workarea) and click on Paper to expand it. Click to select the new paper you'd like to use and drag it onto the paper you want to replace. It's that easy!

See you tomorrow,

Laurie

2011-02-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

Day 11/28 Tips, Techniques, and Training Tidbits - Studio J®

FREE ITEM

Get in the habit of hitting the "Save" button, found in the upper right of the workspace. This is vital to your workflow! Heaven forbid your internet connection is lost and all of your hard work and creative energy is POOF, gone. So, my recommendation is that every few minutes you click that magical "Save' button to insure your beautiful work is saved.

Below the work area where your layouts are shown in large size, you may see "thumbnail" images of your actual layout images. You can toggle them on and off. When they are in the off state, you have a little more "real estate" to work with your full page layouts.

TODAY IS FREEBIE DAY!!!

Each person who purchases a 1 year membership at $99 will receive a beautiful 12 x 12 Faux Album FREE! So, go get signed up at www.laurie.myctmh.com then send me an e-mail so we can get your album ordered. This special expires on Monday, February 14th. Be sure to direct your friends to my blog where they are eligible for the same special!

See you tomorrow,

Laurie

2011-02-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

Day 10/28 Tips, Techniques, and Training Tidbits - Studio J®

Images for uploading into Studio J should be no more than 9.5 MB in size. Before uploading images into Studio J, make any image corrections using another photo editing software. Examples of image corrections include red eye removal, color balance, color correction, etc.

You can choose to add your photos all at once or later. It doesn't have any effect on your workflow other than you probably do want some pictures to work with!

There is a maximum of 150 photos for a project. You'll be creating some outstanding layouts with that number of photos!!

See you tomorrow,

Laurie

2011-02-06T22:16:00.001-08:00

Day 9/28 Tips, Techniques, and Training Tidbits - Studio J®

In your workspace area of Studio J®, where you are working on your layout, there is a menu along the top edge of the work area. Those are important menu items to know about. For example, the 100% is a zooming in/out scale. Use this to take a closer look at certain areas of your layout to check color or position of various elements. The Undo tab is also very helpful to undo states of work. Explore the others and don't miss "Copy" and "Paste". Let's say you have added a button and ribbon tie and you'd like to repeat that throughout your layout. Click on both the button and center thread then click Copy then Paste. Use the move tool to move elements around on your layouts.

It's lots of fun to play and explore! Go get started right now! You can create a FREE account by visiting my website and clicking on Studio J® Scrapbooking.

Have a great day!

Laurie

2011-02-06T21:58:00.000-08:00

8/28 Tips, Techniques, and Training Tidbits - Studio J®

Journaling is essential in classic scrapbooking...and it's just as important - and easy - in Studio J®! You can add journaling in a variety of ways:

Start by using the existing journaling area in the layout you've selected. You can alway add more journaling areas by clicking on the word "Text" in the "filing cabinet" area on the left side of the window.

Maybe you'd like to convert a photo well to a journaling area? Easy! Just click on the photo will (white area with an "x" in the center) and a pop up menu will appear. Use the icon that is placed 2nd from the right. It's just to the left of the trash can icon.

I'm telling you, you've got to give this a try! There's no commitment to setting up an account and exploring the Studio J® environment. Don't wait! Log in today at www.laurie.myctmh.com.

See you tomorrow!

Laurie

2011-02-06T21:47:00.000-08:00

7/28 Tips, Techniques, and Training Tidbits - Studio J®

One of the greatest things about being a Studio J® member is that you have exclusive access to high-resolution JPG files as well as low-res files perfect for social networking (emailing or posting on blogs or Facebook, etc.). Members also receive Memory Protectors® FREE for each custom-printed two-page layout. Plus, shipping and handling is FREE with your monthly order of 4-20 layouts.

Memberships are available as follows:

12 month membership: $99.00

3 month (try-before-you-buy): $30.00

5-pack: $55.00 (includes 5 two-page layouts, 5 memory protectors, and free shipping)

In a nutshell, membership comes with lots of perks such as exclusive patterns, kits, and free memory protectors!

See you tomorrow,

Laurie

2011-02-03T23:03:00.000-08:00

5/28 Tips, Techniques, and Training Tidbits - Studio J®

You can embellish your Studio J® layouts with buttons, ribbon, brads, and all of your favorite accessories! This can be done while you are creating your layouts in Studio J® or they can be added to the printed layout. Additionaly, within Studio J®, you have the flexibility of changing the color of any embellishments iust like you would make color selections of accessories and embellishments in classic scrapbooking. Too much fun!

See you tomorrow,

Laurie

2011-02-02T23:13:00.000-08:00

4/28 Tips, Techniques, and Training Tidbits - Studio J®

If you're anything like me, you probably have lots of questions about Studio J®.

What is Studio J® online software?

What makes scrapbooking with Studio J® unique?

Who prints my layouts?

For answers to these questions and many more, visit My Website, click on Studio J® Online Scrapbooking then scroll down toward the bottom. There you'll find many answers to questions you didn't even realize you had!

See you tomorrow!

Laurie

2011-02-02T22:53:00.000-08:00

3/28 Tips, Techniques, and Training Tidbits - Studio J®

Wouldn't you love to see examples of Studio J® layouts? Here you go! Just go to StudioJ.com and click on Art Gallery. You'll see at least 24 completed layouts that were created in Studio J®! Pay attention to the beautiful papers....they'll look familiar because they are either available now in the Spring 2011 Idea Book or were available in a past Idea Book. Even some of our (favorite!) discontinued papers are available in Studio J®.

Paper layering is easy when you create your layouts. Let's say there's a particular background paper (or cardstock) that you'd like to swap for another. With the click of a button, whala and it's done!

To become a member, try it out, or just read more about it, click here and follow the link to Studio J® Online Scrapbooking.

See you tomorrow!

Laurie

2011-02-01T21:51:00.000-08:00

2/28 Tips, Techniques, and Training Tidbits

Studio J® is an online scrapbooking studio environment using all of your favorite Close To My Heart products! All you need is a computer and internet connection. Believe it or not, as long as you have pictures on your computer (or access to them), you can scrapbook in Studio J®!

Access Studio J® here then click on Studio J® Scrapbooking. Select Create An Account in order to "try before you buy" or to purchase a Membership. Note: Playing and exploring required! (Just kidding:-) No purchase is required until you are ready to check out with your purchases.

Memberships available:
~ 12 month membership is $99.00
~ 3 month trial membership is $30.00
~ 5 Pack is $55.00 (you pay for 5 studio completed layouts)

Give the gift of a Membership for a birthday, anniversary, or for no reason at all! It can all be done through my website or through contacting me.

The creativity is endless! Start by selecting and uploading your photos for a project. A project can be a specific event like a birthday party, vacation, wedding, etc. Name your project then upload selected photos to that project. You can have multiple projects going at the same time. From there, you're ready to roll!

~Laurie

February Specials Are Here!

2011-02-01T12:13:00.000-08:00

February is packed with amazing deals! Without any delay, let's get started...

1. 28 Days of Studio J®
2. Free, Free, & Fabulous!
3. February Stamp of the Month
4. A Perfect 10 for Studio J®

1. 28 Days of Studio J (1/28)
Each day in February I will post at least one tip, technique, or training tidbit for Studio J®. On THREE random days there will be a giveaway FOR YOU so make sure you read my blog every day. The GIVEAWAYS will pop up randomly...it will be lots of fun! When you're ready to become a Studio J scrapbooker, click here.

Today's Tips, Techniques, or Training Tidbits
* Being a Studio J® member will grant you access to exclusive content not available to those without a membership. That means cutting-edge layout designs and papers non-members can't have access to.

* You can rotate your layouts! Once you've selected your kit mix, use the arrows found in the upper left and right corners to roate each page individually. Or, swap them from side to side by using the center arrows found above the layout.

* Try it before you buy it! Just go to my website http://www.laurie.myctmh.com/ and click on Studio J®. Setting up a new account is easy and there's no purchase required to try it out.

2. Free, Free, & Fabulous!
"What's free?" you ask. Well, here you go: When you join Close To My Heart during February and achieve Straight To The Top, you will receive Straight To The Top rewards (aka FREEBIES!) of $100 in select product credit. PLUS you receive a rebate of $129 on your New Consultant Kit, making it FREE! It's free products and a free kit—a fabulous deal! Questions? Just ask me. Ready to sign up? Pop on over to my website and follow the links to Your Opportunities.

3. February Stamp of the Month - Friendship
Celebrate special friendships this month with this elegant 8-piece stamp set. It's classy, it's elegant, it's versatile! And you can get it at a discount, too.

4. A Perfect 10 For Studio J
Studio J®...have you tried it out yet? If you answered "yes" or "no", you're in luck! Check this out...if you're already a member, February is free layout month for Studio J® members! For every 9 custom-printed Studio J® layouts you buy, you’ll receive the 10th layout free. To receive the discount, just add 10 or more layouts to your cart. You’ll see a discount reflected in your order total. And you can totally take advantage of this promotion by ordering in multiples of 10. For example, if you buy 9, get 1 free. Or, buy 18, get 2 free, buy 27, get 3 free. You get the idea! If you’re not a member yet, read my blog each day this month and you'll have GOOD reason to become one!

Warmly,
Laurie

2011-01-30T21:22:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite "little" scrappers! These kids come every month, rain or shine! Each one of them brings somthing unique to the class. Ben has an amazing artistic ability...and I mean really amazing. Erica tells great jokes and makes fun of me! McKenzie is quiet but that's why she gets the star for most pages completed. Lexi has so much fun adding "fluff" and other extras to her many completed pages. Ahhh, they're so much fun! See you kids next month, too!

If your kids live in Bishop and the surrounding area and would like to participate in my monthly Kids' Club Scrapbooking class, contact me! I'd love to have them.

Inspirations - January's Special

2011-01-27T19:31:00.000-08:00

There's still time to order from our Inspirations Brochure...if you haven't seen the great stamp sets, beautiful artwork, and amazing deals in it, you can view it online. Just go to my website and click on Inspirations Brochure in the bottom right corner. Page by page you'll be totally inspired!

For the photographer in me, my favorite stamp set is Take A Picture, shown on pg. 9. And how irresistable is the alphabet set, Bohemian, on pg.11? Ordering is super easy...contact me or shop online!

~Laurie

January Stamp of the Month - Find Your Style

2011-01-26T13:21:00.001-08:00

Beautiful images!! I love how they look when stamped....elegant and stylish! The set is available only during January so don't miss out! Order yours by January 31st, 2011. Did you know you can earn it FREE or at a discount? Ask me how!

This beautiful set is featured in Inspirations....you've got to take a peek at this amazing publication!

2010-07-08T23:14:00.000-07:00

CONVENTION 2010!

Convention this year is being held in Washington DC as we speak! This exciting location is the first ever, the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. Already new announcements are hitting the floor, cellphones, twitter, and of course, the social networking community.

I miss my good friends and sister consultants this year but family is first and most important in my life. However I'm traveling through my thoughts and dreams all the way to DC. Jeanette never disappoints and as updates are made, you'll see them posted here quickly.

Announcement #1: Beginning in 2011, the Idea Book will be will be semi-annual. It will include every bit as much product annually and will have 24 more pages. Stay tuned for more details!

See you tomorrow~
Laurie

Month of Organization!

2010-01-27T22:49:00.000-08:00

It's been a month of organization for me. Closets got cleaned out, cupboards wiped down and organized, my CTMH business even saw some organazational improvement, most noticable when I was looking for something in particular! It's cool how your time seems more free when things are in their place and I don't have to spend so much time looking. Makes a lot of sense, doesn't it! My goal is to have the inside organized before tackling the outside yard.

Tonight was the last scrapbook class before February starts. We decided this year would be the year of being organized. So, my darling ladies will be bringing their completed pages (those without photos anyway) to the February class along with photographs. We'll get the pictures on the pages during class plus make another layout. Talk about progress!

I wanted to spend some time after my class tonight just chillin' in front of the recording of Monday night's The Batchelor, but...well...here I am! Plus, I get to sleep in in the morning so staying up late to catch up on some fun stuff then watch some no-brainer stuff on TV isn't a bad idea after all.

A great recipe for dinner came from Cindy, my sister-in-law. She gave me the recipe long ago and I've since forgotten it but tonight, well my brain engaged so I threw it together. It was so satisfying!

Cindy's Chicken Pot Pie (there are very few real measurements here...)

Chicken breast (oh, say 3 or 4), cut up, put in soup pan
2 cans Cream of Celery soup
1 can of water
1 1/2 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic garni or garlic salt
Sauted veggies such as onion, celery, carrots.
3 potatoes, peeled, cut in 1" pieces and boiled until med-soft.

Mix all of the ingredients in soup pan, heat through then pour into baking dish. Cover top with pie crust. Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes. Sooo delicious!

Serve with green salad and corn bread.

See you soon!
Laurie

Idea Book Open House

2010-01-13T22:51:00.000-08:00

I love to hold an Open House to introduce the new Idea Book. To kick off the release of the new Spring 2010 Idea Book, tonight was the night for my Open House. I want to say a special Thank You to those loyal souls who braved the cold wind and stopped in for some warm friendship, a cool catalog, and a "gift table" complete with sweets. (Sandra...you made me laugh! I hope you took home an extra gift in the way of a cookie:)

What always entertains me is that my customers stop by to pick up an Idea Book, browse the displays of new items, then find a comfy corner to sit and soak up the Idea Book while filling out the Scavengar Hunt paper. But the biggest blessing I get out of the whole event is the fellowship than ensues throughout the evening. It's so cool to watch a bunch of women, from all walks of life, come together to laugh, giggle, tell the latest story on the town, relax and unwind, and stamp together. I love it!

My scavengar hunt is lots of fun and it gets my friends to know the catalog. The winner whose name is drawn will receive a beautiful card kit. I'll announce the winner tomorrow.

I tend to have a pretty loyal following of customers (who have become friends) and I'm reminded of some special moments with a few of these ladies over the years. One goes like this: I was at the hostesses home carrying on with a home gathering and we all started wrinkling noses and making funny faces, but no one said anything. Pretty soon it became apparent that someone should ask their neighbor "did you do that"? or "It wasn't me, I promise!" Just off to the side of the gathering area, the housecat decided to make a pit stop and leave us a treasure in all its stinky glory, right there smack dab sticking on the living room carpet!

This same hostess, (Marianne, I love ya!), bought a package of Glue Dots several years ago. Subsequently, at another of her home gatherings, she proclaimed that she had thrown them out in a fury because she couldn't figure out how to use them. Memo to the unwise...Always ask your consultant how to use something if you can't figure it out! You bought it so it must be grand, right?

So, cheers to a fun group of Bishop ladies...they are the best around, loyal, loving, fun, and friendly...it doesn't get any better than that. We all agreed that the Felicity Collection is one of the most creative paper packs we've seen yet! For only $34.95, you get many sheets of decorative die-cut paper, 3 gorgeous color schemes, a D-size stamp set that includes flowers, flourishes, argyle patterns, birds, and an entire alphabet! Where else can you find such papercrafting opportunites with such a complete product?

Laurie

Our Christmas Letter

2009-12-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Bishop! Somehow last Christmas came and went and I didn’t get a single Christmas card mailed. This year is going to be different, at least that's what I keep telling myself.

Like most people, we have been busier than ever but fighting “busy-ness” all the way. One of these days I’m sure that boredom will take over and I won’t know what to do with myself. Until then, let me catch you up to date on our family.

Joe is still working in Mammoth at the Cable TV system. It’s been nearly 26 years of employment there and we’re thankful he has a job. He loves to backpack into the Sierras and along with some family day hikes, he packed in several times during the summer. There’s nothing like sleeping under the stars and knowing the phone won’t be ringing. Plus, the trout in the mountain lakes taste like none other! He also logs many miles on his bike and this year he’s put on over 2100 miles. It doesn’t matter if it’s hot or cold, the ride is always good for his soul.

Scrapbooking and photography keep me on the go. I’ve been with Close To My Heart for over 15 years now. In October 2008, Karliann and I spent a week cruising the Mediterranean with other CTMH consultants. (Joe preferred the mountains to the city so he didn’t go!) It was the 8th cruise I’ve earned with CTMH. This year’s incentive trip is to New Zealand but I chose not to work so hard and therefore, I didn’t earn it. While I would love to have traveled to NZ, our family visited Jannalyn and Derrick in Australia in June 2008 so I don’t feel entirely jipped. Photography has always been a passion and this past year I’ve done a lot of portrait work. I had the opportunity to photograph 3 weddings this summer/fall and that posed new opportunities and growth for me as a professional photographer.

The port in Malta.

France...we walked all over this little seaside town. I couldn't get enough of the colorful buildings and incredible architecture!

Jannalyn and Derrick completed 3 years of nursing school in Australia and returned to the states (Bishop, specifically) last December as RNs. They stayed with us for several months after returning, were hired at our hospital (they’re well loved!), found out they were expecting, and bought a home. Not bad for a young couple! Our sweet little grandson, Riley Chase, was born on November 6th, making him nearly 7 weeks old. Being in the delivery room made me wonder why in the world I had 4 children without an epidural...can’t quite figure that one out. But oh well...too late! Jannalyn is off of work until early spring and Derrick returns in January after 6 weeks of family leave. We spend a lot of time together. Obviously that is so wonderful.

Brandon is in Toldeo, Washington where he works as a mechanic. Joe, Karliann, and I drove to see him this past June. We had a great time seeing the Northwest and spending time with him, his girlfriend, Leslie, and the dogs. We drove to Mt. St. Helens one day, ran into a bear on another day, and had some of the best chicken ever before making the trip home. Brandon and Leslie had been here earlier in the year to help us dig a pond in our back yard. That was a big undertaking and they were determined to see water flow into it before they left..and they did!

Jessica turned 20 a few weeks ago. She graduated from high school last year (June 2008) and enrolled at University of Reno, Nevada where she has completed 3 semesters. During this fall semester, she realized that her call is to nursing. Bishop offers a terrific 18 month LVN step-up to RN program through our local community college and so she enrolled. In the midst of a winter storm recently, I drove to Reno, helped pack her up, and bring her home. We love having her cheerful little self around the house. School begins for her mid-January. She completed a half marathon in September at Lake Tahoe. Amazing!

Karliann turned 16 a few weeks ago and is a Sophomore at Bishop High. She volunteers at Bishop Kids Club, an after school program for kids who are elementary age. The kids absolutely adore her. If she’s not “working” at playing Wii with the kids, she’s helping with homework or fixing snacks. She and Joe have a date night once a week where they go to Ceramics. They’ve made some beautiful pottery items while making great memories together. It’s been tough on Karli to be an only child but she has some sweet friends. Now that she has her big sisters around and the new responsibility of being an aunt, she doesn’t lack for things to do. That's Karliann on the left:)

In keeping up with social networking...as if I have the time... I have a blog where you can read about our encounter with a bear (really, it was pretty exciting!), see photographs of our family activities, and keep up with us throughout the year. Please visit me!! In addition, I have a facebook page so please stop by and be my friend! One thing I hate most is losing touch with friends.

It’s been an exciting year filled with many exciting events, new challenges, and blessings beyond measure. May each of you enjoy a fabulous new year sprinkled with fun and exciting adventures, the love of family and friends, and great health and safety. God bless you!

Laurie and Family

What To Give? The Gift of Time, of course!

2009-12-22T21:34:00.000-08:00

Our cute little elementary age neighborhood kids have absolutely everything imaginable. Not that that's a bad thing...okay, truthfully, it's bad when you're trying to throw a creative curve to their flock of funness! Up and down the isles of Kmart, Walmart, Target, Dwaynes, you name it...even the craft store! Nuthin' really caught my eye.

So, ya know what I'm gonna do? I'm gonna give them each the gift of my time. Little coupons good for a trip to McDonalds for a free ice cream cone or happy meal followed by a trip to the park to feed the ducks are the gifts of my choice this year. Additional gift cards to bake cookies with me and another to eat a special dinner with our family. I don't know but my guess is that they'll remember time spent with someone special much longer than a little toy that broke within a week of Christmas.

How about you? Do you have children to buy for who seem to have everything and you're stumped for a clever gift? Try time. I think it's a refreshing concept and one that will cause a lot of excitement! How cool is it? You don't have to go buy it, you can't return it, the recipient can use it any time, and there's no expiration date. Gotta love it!

Give it some thought then share how you might be able to give the gift of time this year!

Til nex time~
Laurie

My Favorite Christmas Movies

2009-12-22T15:43:00.001-08:00

Christmas just isn't Christmas without watching a few classic movies...wouldn't you agree? I mean, if we don't have snow outside, I can at least feel it when watching The Santa Clause! Bernard is my favorite character on that one.

Then there's The Grinch....as a kid, I never read the book or really even heard of the story. But in the Jim Carey rendition, I get it! The grinch is really a mean old green thing with a big heart...only problem is that his heart needs to be thawed. My favorite part is the warm smile that spreads across his face when his heart grows three sizes larger. Oh, and the magic of Mount Crumpit!

Charlie Brown's Christmas tree is the cutest yet most lonely little tree ever. Sweet little ornaments could have such a transforming effect on a tree.

Polar Express is another favorite. I mean, wouldn't it be amazing to have a massive locomotive pull up in front of your home, whisk you on board and take you to the North Pole? Ah, the magic of childhood imagination.

It's A Wonderful Life...what a classic. If we all lived our lives with a strong sense of value and character, imagine what our world would be like.

So there you go...a short list of my favorites that help make Christmas memories.

I don't remember much from my childhoos and that includes Christmas but I do have one or two sweet memories I'll share tomorrow. Until then~

Laurie

The Best Day of the Year

2009-12-21T11:35:00.000-08:00

Every year at Christmas time my friend from high school days sends us the best Christmas present ever...a box of homemade shortbread. It's not just average shortbread...you see, it's very different. It has something in it that makes my entire family look forward to the month of December. There's something about it that, oh along about mid-December, challenges each of us to race to the mailbox to see if it arrived that day. The shortbread has a strange effect on, well...me, in particular. It causes me to find hiding places so I don't have to share it! (Yeah, that's darn desperate but true.) The shortbread also makes me tell a little lie..."Hey mom, did Bonnie's shortbread come today?" "No, honey, I don't recall there being a box in the mail." All the while the coveted box of shortbread is hidden in a small ice chest in the laundry room....and one piece is missing.

Receiving Bonnie's box of shortbread means that Christmas is officially here! And you'll be happy to know that guilt got the better of me and I brought the box out of hiding and shared it with the fam. I even went so far as to pull two pieces out, wrap them up, and send them to our son in Washington state. I'm feeling good about that one!

We spent the day baking yesterday...our favorite treats to bake at Christmas are Chocolate Mint-filled Cookies, Hamburger cookies, Shortbread Lemon Bars (these are yummy!), and Carmel Corn. Instead of just walking a couple of miles today, I walked and went to the gym...the reasons are obvious!

Tomorrow I'll share my favorite movies to watch at Christmas time. Until then!
Laurie

Grateful Today...

2009-12-16T21:35:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for some special things today!

1. Babysitting my darling little grandson for a couple of hours. Even more greatful that his Great Aunt Cindy was here so we teamed the effort and it was, well...efforless and pure joy!

2. Cindy...you are amazing, not only in your giving spirit but your ability to help me tackle projects that would otherwise be too overwhelming for me to go alone. We cleaned out a closet and bedroom that haven't been cleaned out for years and years! What tomorrow??

3. For my precious devotion book, Streams In The Desert. Each morning I wrap the day in prayer and this devotion book always seems to speak to me very specifically for that day.

4. The girls went out for dinner this evening (to Yamatani's, aka Yummytummies) so I didn't have to cook. I had a lazy dinner that was good, just boring. Oh, and I'm extra grateful for Julianne, my cute neice from Arizona who I love to tease.

5. Lastly, I am grateful that there was still some Cookie Dough ice cream and whipped cream at the end of the day.

See you soon!

Laurie

Pumpkin Pie Dilemna

2009-11-26T23:22:00.000-08:00

So, it's a great day! Thanksgiving is always a fun time around the Warta household. Especially when dessert follows a rather overabundance of just too many good foods. What to do when you only have one VERY LARGE (like 80 oz. large) can of pumpkin but need only one or two pumpkin pies? You make a game out of it! You see, stores in our area were out of the smaller cans but we found one ginormous can at Smart and Final. Rather than risk NO pumpkin dessert of any kind, we opted for the giant can. As it was sitting obnoxiously around the kitchen waiting to be used today, we decided to make a game out of the can of pumpkin. Hide the can (with $1 attached) and whoever found the can (and $1) got to hide it again. If it wasn't found by time to make the dessert, we'll, we'd be out of luck for anything pumpkin! The girls in this household have some pretty creative thinking processes going on. They used a wooden duck to disguise the oversized can, I slipped the can in a large, empty apple barrell, someone else set it right by the phone among some candy so it wasn't easily spotted there. Eventually, the large can of pumpkin was made into 3 delectable, wonderful, memorable desserts! Just in time to settle down tummys full of turkey!

Our family always has great fun, lots of laughter, and pure entertainment. Plus, our new little grandson gave plenty of reasons for Grammy had to hold him. It was a day of constant giggles, laughter unending, time spent raking leaves, and of course, plenty of hands in the kitchen. It's all about making memories, isn't?

I trust your was a day of reflection and thanksgiving for a bounty of blessings.
Until next time~
Laurie

November Stampaganza!

2009-11-02T22:19:00.000-08:00

We still don't have a little grandbaby...maybe tonight?! Nah...I want another good night's sleep! Okay, that's incredibly selfish since I'm not the one who is 9 months pregnant. We are all anxiously awaiting this little guy's arrival and I'm pretty sure it will be very soon. Tomorrow is my daughter's due date. I figure I'm pretty much out of time for getting things caught up before his arrival. Ah well...it's all good.

Speaking of tomorrow, it's November 3rd and we have a new special you'll definately want to take advantage of. Our Stampaganza is amazing! Purchase 2 My Acrylic stamp sets at regular price and get one free. How's that for a great bargain to kick off the holiday season? Do your shopping from the catalog or online. Be sure to e-mail me with any questions, too.

D1377, Around The Block is a hefty set of 26 stamps. Piece by piece you can build your dream gingerbread card! Or, design a simple "Welcome Neighbor" card and add a set of gift tags if someone is just moving into your neighborhood this holiday season.

One more reminder...be sure to order your favorite products in order to take advantage of the Stampaganza special!

Until next time...when we really have a new grandbaby!

Christmas Spirit

2009-10-31T21:40:00.000-07:00

So... ya know how I signal the beginning of the holiday season? I start listening to Christmas music music NOW! In case you didn't notice, it's October 31st... Yeah, it's early - some might say insanely early - but I say why not? Time flies way too fast and before you know it, Christmas arrives and I haven't watched my favorite holiday movies (Grinch, Polar Express, The Santa Clause, among the many) nor have I listened to all of my favorite Christmas music. To be totally honest, I put in a Christmas CD yesterday so this year, hey, I'm ahead of the game.

This beautiful cardinal card is one my ladies made in a recent card workshop. I've always loved cardinals so I couldn't resist creating something festive with Season of Splendor (item # D1326). It's a two-step stamping set meaning you stamp the outline image with first generation ink then fill in with the matching solid image in a lighter ink which we in the stamping world call "second generation." In case you're not sure about the whole "generation" stamping technique, let me explain...

To stamp with first generation ink, simply ink your image and stamp directly onto your cardstock. To stamp with second generation ink, simply ink your stamp, stamp once on scratch paper then, without reinking, stamp onto cardstock. With second generation ink, the image is lighter, therefore, it acts sort of like a "coloring in" of your image. Cool, huh?

The paper I used for this card is X7115C Jingle. The plaid is created by inking and stamping the edge of a long acrylic block. (That's one of my favorite methods for creating plaids.) The red striped paper is folded accordian-style, without any particular method to my madness. (Ribbon candy inspired that type of folding:)

Any day now I will be a grandma......whoa, holy cow, that sounds......hmmm......I'm not sure how that sounds! I figured I don't feel like a grandma because I still have a 15 (almost 16) year old. But, we are so excited for our little guy to enter the world. He's sure taking his sweet little time in arriving and he's making his mommy very uncomfortable. His Auntie Jessica is growing a bit impatient, too!

I get an extra hour of sleep tonight so I'm off to enjoy that. See you next time.

How To Live Life

2009-10-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather than to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, chocolate covered strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOO-HOO - What a Ride!"
~Unknown

What a way to live!

October Stamp of the Month

2009-10-07T21:28:00.000-07:00

Have you seen our stamp sets for the upcoming holidays yet? If not, you're missing out on some crazy-cute sets! For example, take the October Stamp of the Month set, as shown below. It's whimsical and just plain crazy-cute!

There's another great set on pg. 52 of the Fall/Winter 09 Idea Book...the one I'm talking about is item # C1378 Heartfelt Christmas. But don't stop there...browse through the holiday stamp sets and let your mind go creative on you!

Until next time~

Fall...Welcome Fall!

2009-09-29T22:10:00.001-07:00

You've probably heard me say it before but I LOVE AUTUMN! I love the cool, crisp mornings that turn into warm, toasty days then again into cool, quiet evenings. The circle keeps going until the temperatures get so extreme that I start whining that I'm cold all of the time! I quit walking early in the mornings but instead, I sit by the cozy, warm fire. I discuss amongst myself (self-talk??) "do ya wanna go out for a walk now or later?" "Later" usually means I sit by the fire quite a bit longer until I find something else needing to be done. Oh well...it's all good and I still love Autumn!

Here's a fun card I wanted to share. The paper pack is Twitterpated,, X7118B for $12.95 and the tree stamp comes from Four Seasons, B1319 for $13.95. Colors used are Sweet Leaf, Sorbet, and Chocolate. The card pattern came from one of our magical recipe books, Wishes, #9033 for $29.95. If you'd like to order any of these items, just jot down the item numbers and enter them in the Shop Online area of my http://www.laurie.mycth.com/ website. It's all easy ordering over there!

Until next time~

You Are My Sunshine

2009-09-21T16:11:00.000-07:00

Do you know the song, You Are My Sunshine? It goes something like this...

You are my sunshine
My only sunshine,
You make me happy
When skies are grey,
You'll never know, dear
How much I love you,
Please don't take
My sunshine away.

It was one of my childhood favorites...I suppose that dates me but who cares! So, whenever I see the word sunshine, it reminds me of this song and brings a smile to my face. The song is stuck in my head so I suppose that means my head is filled with cheerful thoughts! Good thing cuz we all need to fill our hearts and minds with good things.

The stamp set I used for this card is from the September Stamp of the Month, Treasures. I love the designs in the set because many of them bring sweet thoughts to mind. You never grow too old to blow a dandilion or take an extra second to tell someone "thank you." It's never too late to sprinkle a little sunshine on someone by sending a handstamped card or sharing a smile. I'm thinking that this set is quite appropriately named.

The paper pack I used for this cute card is Twitterpated...personally, I think that's such a cute word! (It's fun to say, too.) You can find the paper pack on page 22 of the Fall/Winter Idea Book or on my laurie.myctmh.com website. It's perfect for fall but the theme goes far beyond any particular season. Be sure to check it out in the catalog or enter item # X7118B in the Quick Add search bar on my laurie.myctmh.com website.

Hope you enjoy! Until next time~

The Dash

2009-09-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

I was watching a webinar last week and the speaker had a terrific ending to his presentation. He called it "The Dash". My first thought was speed...how far could I run in how short amount of time? After all, isn't that the name of a race in track and field? Oh yeah, in track and field, they insert something like "500 yard"! Not for me...I'm not a runner:) Well anyway, the point he made really hit home with me. You see, "The Dash" in his context referred to the time between being born and dying. What is it that we do with our "dash", that little hyphen between the year born and the year of passing? Have any of us really thought much about it? Seems a bit morbid but I think if I, personally, spent more time considering how to live my own "Dash", I might enjoy a more fulfilled life, rather than living my "Dash" by scurrying here or there and missing many opportunities to touch the life of someone else or be inspired by someone myself. There's lots to it, for sure. So, maybe today you'll want to consider how you're living your own "Dash".

So, last night at one of my monthly workshops, I pulled out this remarkable little tool kit called the new Soft Set Eyelet Tool. People! If you hear one thing while reading this, hear me yelling "this is the most awesome improvement on a product ever!!!" Followed by..."ya gotta have one!" Love the ease with which I can set eyelets now...and it's s..i..l..e..n..t..!! Ah, the hush of setting an eyelet is unlike any other eyelet setting I've done before. Those were always rough, narly, and above, obnoxiously loud! No more...you'll love this one. Item number Z1208 for $14.95. It's the best buy all this year! You can order it on my http://www.laurie.myctmh.com/ website.

Until next time ~ so long!

There's No One Quite Like Me

2009-09-11T14:46:00.001-07:00

Here's a fun layout my scrapbook classes have been working on. It carries on the theme of scrapbooking "All About Me" that we've been doing all year. I'll edit the details the first of the week since we're preparing for a baby shower this weekend. Hope you enjoy! See you again soon~

September Stamp of the Month - Treasures

2009-09-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

Every year during the Labor Day weekend, the county fair comes to town. Yeah, I love rollercoasters but not the county fair type,unless they're mild - like maybe the Merry-Go-Round. I know, that's not very nice to say but you won't get me on the Zipper flipping upside down and going every which way, spinning the entire time. BUT...put me on California Screamin' at California Adventures and I could ride that thing forever. The best part of our Fair weekend is the Kettle Corn. I'd love to know how to make that myself so I can satisy my cravings for it during the year!

A new month also brings a new Stamp of the Month. This one is just wonderful! You can get it only during September so be sure to place your order by e-mailing me or on my MyCTMH website.

See you next time!

Dry Erase Board Idea

2009-09-03T21:49:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I wake up with the best of intentions every day. Do I follow through with each plan for the day...ahhh, I wish it were that easy or I was that disciplined. Sometimes I get ready to accomplish one task yet I find that I get sidetracked. So what?? Oh, I just wait for a new morning when I can, once again, wake up with the best of intentions...only these are from the day before. Eeeek! Suddenly I'm a week behind! So then, it all defaults to "life", and all of the curves we're thrown on a daily basis. For me, I've had more curve balls the last 10 days than I've had in 10 years. But, stretching my ole arm out, I'm catching, by golly. And we're gettin' through.

This cute little frame serves as a reminder for various errands or appointments that come up throughout the day or week. It's a regular 4x6 photo frame but what makes it unique is that you can write on the face of the glass with a dry erase marker. When you're ready to change the message, a swift swipe with your bare fingers will remove all the writing in it entirety! Pretty cool, I think! How do you like the left section where there's a stack of Post-It-Notes? Handy, huh? I thought so when I used this thing over and over this week to remind me to call the insurance folks who don't want to make good on our policy, or to pick certain items up from the store. You could also incorporate a photograph in either the left or right section of the design.

All is good! The sun came up this morning, went down by evening, and we harvested a ton of tomatoes in between. So complaints? Oh, there are none tonight! Praise God.

Until next time~

Fall Winter 2009 Idea Book is Here!

2009-08-31T22:20:00.000-07:00

September 1...just a few minutes away! And you know what that means? The new Fall/Winter Idea Book goes LIVE! New scrapbook themes, accessories, stamps and so much more...this book is an amazing kick-off to a fun and exciting Fall. Three times a year the anticipation builds and builds...now you can relax, start shopping, and planning for a creative season of stamping and scrapbooking. With the release of the new Idea Book, you'll find a multitude of products for the seasons that await us...everything from Fall and Harvest products to Christmas. And as usual, you'll be amazed at how versatile the products are, especially the Background & Texture papers.

Don't forget that Studio J is just around the corner. You'll want to stay tuned for updates as to when the product will be available.

Gotta love classic color combinations like this one. Chocolate goes with just about any color...doesn't it look warm and inviting when pared with Dutch Blue? Your everyday can be more than an average day by creating beautiful card projects from our September special, Delight in the Everyday. There are a ton of terrific products in this kit. Visit my MyCTMH website, click on the image in the center that matches the one here on the left and you'll get all of the nitty-gritty details. Love, love, love our card kits! Oh, how they make my life simple when I most need it that way.

Let me send you one of our new catalogs. E-mail me for details.

See ya soon!

Got Beasty Boy!

2009-08-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd post a quick update on the little beasty boy....we got him! I know, I know...it's a heartless thing but do we really want a little mouse running amuck in the house? Not especially. My daughter even disposed of him properly...ewww! She has some gene that I surely don't have because I'd have 1) called Joe in or 2) dialed 911. I'm a wimp, yes, it's true.

Apparently my mom told Joe about some mouse stories and mice in the house when I was growing up. Supposedly I don't remember...or maybe I blocked it out. It goes like this...When I was growing up, we occasionally had mice in the house. We lived out on a ranch so although I don't specifically remember seeing a mouse in the house, I'm sure we had plenty. Mom had a heart like mine but rather than set a snap trap, she set a HavAHeart trap. They're named for a good reason, don't you think? However, once they were humanely caught, she flushed them down the toilet. Okay...gotta admit here.....Mom, I'm seriously confused! What's the diff?? You're gonna have to splain that one to me shortly. Okay, I don't think I want to talk about this anymore!

For a welcome change of pace, here are some lovely images of my daughter in her later pregnancy. She is a beautiful girl! We're having a boy...and we're so excited! If you have any clever games to play at baby showers, please post them here.

It's all a big bunch of Belly Love!

Baby Shower Invite & More

2009-08-27T13:05:00.001-07:00

My daughter looked at the price of store-bought baby shower invitations and quickly decided to make her own. Kind of a no-brainer for us stampers! Simple and cute, she designed this invite with some classic background & texture paper from Close To My Heart days gone by. The title "It's A Baby Shower" was printed out on plain white copy paper using a Close To My Heart font, Dot Dash from our Expressive Font CD Volume 1. Some things are better left plain and simple...and this is a perfect example!

A little update on the leak in our house....the plumber was here this morning and able to use leak detection devices to isolate the leak. Once he jackhammered a nice 2 foot deep hole in the cement of the living room, he came to within 3 inches of the leak in the pipe. Pretty darn good, I'd say! Good, that is, until the insurance adjuster came by and gave me her "news".

We've been following everything by the book...it's been a phone circus with different people from insurance calling to line up various people to take care of the problem. On Monday, one of the insurance guys I spoke to said any damage caused by the leak would be covered. Access to, repair of, and closure to the leak isn't covered. But, carpet would be covered since it was water damaged. Leak detection services would also be covered as would be the services for drying out the area. Great, I understand this.

Okay...fast forward to today...some random adjuster lady drove 2 1/2 hours to stop in this morning, peer at the hole, whisper something to the plumber so that I couldn't hear, and got out her tape measure to measure for carpet. Then she excused herself to go to her car and make a phone call. She came back in a short time later and said she had bad news...nothing is covered. WHAT?????????? That was a complete contradictory statement to what I had been told!!! Now, if I used foul language, I might have cussed her out, given her a quick boot to the arse and a slammed door behind her. But instead, it all stayed in my head and I asked a few questions then told her to leave. Am I furious? You bet! Soooo, exactly why do we pay homeowners insurance?? I'm not quite sure other than to make someone else's life very, very comfortable. (If you're an insurance agent reading this...don't take it personally.) We'll see what our local agent has to say...he's a reasonable guy, right?

So, Jill, my darling neighbor, bailed me out again. I wanted...no, I needed...a Diet Coke for lunch and the box was empty. Since everyone living here seems to have discovered all of my Diet Coke emergency hiding places, and the plumber was here, I phoned Jill up to ask if she had any extra Diet Cokes...(or hard liquor since I had just finished up with the adjustor lady)...and guess what? She did! (Diet Coke, that is.) Ah, at least I could drink to my frustrations with a cold soda. Thanks, Jill:) About the hiding places? I'll be finding some new ones as soon as I replenish the soda.

No news on the mouse front. Pierre, bless his passive little heart, slept all day yesterday in Karliann's room, where the mouse was last seen. Good grief dude...get up and hunt that beasty boy down! Maybe we should quit feeding the cats for a day or so and let them get good and hungry.

Until next time!

Of Mice and Butterflies...

2009-08-25T22:19:00.001-07:00

Doesn't really have much of a ring to it, does it? Each one is so opposite! I need to discuss both here so I figured I'd make the title a bit on the curious side...kinda like the mouse we can't seem to find.

Let's chat about the pretty card to begin with...it's one that I featured recently in a monthly card making workshop and the ladies loved it! The butterfly is attached to the insert card along the body area. The wings are cut out and backed with a coordinating piece of cardstock. The paper is Close To My Heart's Amore, one of my favorite color schemes. The right side of the card insert with butterfly attached, slides out to reveal a message. Embellishments include brads, pearl paint, and ribbon. Really pretty and super easy to make!

Alright, do you want an update on beasty boy? This morning I woke up to a note on the kitchen counter that read..."will someone PLEEEEZE get a mouse trap today?" According to Karliann, she caught the silhouette of little beasty boy zipping across the windowsill behind a sheer curtain early this morning. (Kinda reminded her of a scene from a creepy movie.) She hollered for dad, who came running with a shoe. A shoe?? Karliann had a fit at the thought of a squished mouse on her windowsill so she suggested that her dad choose a more humane method of catching the speedy little imp...so...how about a box? A box?? What, are you gonna catch it with the box or smack it silly? Well, it was time for school and once again, the mouse is on the loose and not at the forefront of my mind today since I'm dealing with a very flooded living room and difficult insurance folks.

It's great to have friends who have got your back because my good friend and neighbor, Jill, had mine today. Remember, according to my kids, one must posses a hunting license in order to purchase a mouse trap so that was going to be a significant delay in my mouse hunting today. But, didn't turn out that way since Jill and Karliann chatted about the mouse "situation" on the way to school. Shortly thereafter, I went over to Jill's to borrow something and she was on her way to my house "bearing gifts." Ohhh, cool, I thought...a belated birthday present that would help fix the leak in the house! No such luck...but something way better...illegal mouse traps! Complete with peanut butter. The best part? By the time she left, they were all set. So far, no one has showed up at my door asking about possession of illegal mouse traps so we should be good, at least for the night.

If beasty boy ventures into this water-damaged room, he'll have cold feet, for sure. And maybe wet! The carpet is gone and the cememt is not real welcoming. There are holes to fall into, tack strips around the edges, and dangers lurking around every corner...that is, if you're a mouse. This photoshows the living room (and my workshop area) where the leak is. The carpet was the first to go and as long as we have water turned on, we're sucking it up with that wet/dry vacuum over there in the corner. Ahhh, it's just a minor inconvenience. It will all be sorted out soon enough and we'll be celebrating new carpet!

Maybe tomorrow I'll have good news about beasty boy...good news, that is if you're on my side. See ya soon!

Some days are diamonds...

2009-08-23T22:37:00.000-07:00

...some days are stones...

And so the song goes. It's one of my favorites by John Denver and every time something really good and exciting happens, I think of the day being a diamond. On the few occasions when things go wrong, those days...well, they're the stones. The last few days seem to be stones. Want to be filled in? I don't think you'll want pictures for these things...so it will be text only today!

Over a week ago, as 7 or 8 of us were sitting in the living room, most of us girls which doesn't help the impending situation. Silly me...I had left the screen door open slightly so the dog and cats could come in and out for a little while, and all of a sudden I saw our adorable, passive cat appropriately named (by my husband...not me), Pierre, come sauntering in the house with something in his mouth. It had a pointy nose and skinny tail so obviously I screached! Apparently Pierre did too and dropped the little beasty boy and off it ran...but not out the door. So, we spend a good while shaking the couch upside down, poking under other furniture with a yardstick but little beasty boy was gone. We sorta figured he come out of hiding when he got hungry or maybe we'd find the cats arguing over who was going to have him for dinner but so far that hasn't happened.

Fast forward now over a week later to today....we were on our way home from moving our daughter into the dorm room at the University of Reno (yes, emotional for me). "Home" showed up as calling my cellphone, wondering what happened to the mouse this morning. Huh?? What mouse? Who saw a mouse this morning?? Heck, I thought it had been eaten by now! Well, nope. Our daughter was getting ready for work in her bathroom and saw something small and grey with a pointy nose and long skinny tail scurry across the floor and hide in some towels. (Her fault that there are towels on the floor!) So, the question posed to me on the phone was "who's gonna trap the mouse?" I replied with "Beats me! How about whoever saw it last? Go get a mouse trap and set it, for heaven's sake! There's cheese in the fridge!"

Well, we just returned home after a long day of driving and there's no mouse trap set and no one to report they saw beasty boy direct himself outside so I'm supposing he's still making the best of a comfy house for a little while longer.

Okay, now you know where we stand on the mouse situation...I'll fill you in when (and if) it comes to an end...Ohh yeah, one other thing...my other daughter informed us of a California state law that goes something like this: In order to set a mouse trip, one must have a hunting license. My eyebrows are raised here and I have a bit of a crooked smirk on my face...guess I'll look that one up in the books.

We've had lots of company over the last couple of weeks, including two of our daughter's college roomies so there's been lots happening around here! Everything but cleaning, that is...

Yesterday morning I was up early preparing to leave around lunchtime to go photograph a lovely wedding up at Convict Lake, about 40 minutes from home. I stepped on the carpet in the front room (where I do all of my workshops) and the floor was soaked. Hmmm, I though...Charlie had better not have gone potty on the carpet. I looked more closely and no color, no smell but I took another step and squish went my foot. We now have an entire room with a soaked carpet and pad and can't find where the leak is coming in. It's tricky to access the water main in order to turn the water on and off, especially in the dark. For tonight, the carpet and pad are all removed and now we await the plummer and insurance folks.

So, it could have been worse and we could have hit a deer the other night AND tonight...but we missed both times...it did temporarily get worse when I flattened a cute little skunk right smack in the middle of the road last night. I hope the little guy is in heaven for skunks...must be a pretty special place. And the wedding? IT DIDN'T RAIN on the outdoor ceremony! The rain waited for today. The light was ideal for a photographer and it was a wonderful group to photograph. Watch for some images.

So why haven't I posted anything cute and creative on here in the last week? #1, not much extra time, #2, too much chaos!, #3 room flooded, #4 had to move daughter out to college, #5 photographed a wedding, and the list could go on! But, I can't complain...it's just a few minor inconveniences.

National Stamping Month - Celebrate Everyday

2009-08-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

Wow! Just as one special closes out, Close To My Heart announces another irrestible offer. Card kits are one of my favorite products...I usually have several on hand. I can't wait to get my hands on this one, too! Oh, and the paper...I LOVE background and texture paper. (I'm a closet paper hoarder.) This pack has plenty to keep me (and you!) creating for hours.

So here's the skinny on how you can get it FREE:
1. Purchase a minimum of $60 in stamp sets (A, B, C, D, and E-size) between August 18 - September 30.
2. Host a home gathering or catalog party. If you live in Bishop, this includes a workshop or in-home gathering...if you live outside of Bishop, it includes a catalog party.
3. Sign up as a new Consultant between September 1 - 30.

*** OR ***

Purchase as many card kits as you'd like for just $39.95 per kit. It gets better...place any order between September 1 - 30 and you'll be automatically entered in our daily drawing for a FREE card kit! Winners will be announced on my MyCTMH website.

Wondering what's included in the kit? Here you go...
1 - My Acrylix Everyday Celebration Stamp Set (D-size)
16 - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Colonial White Card Bases
16 - 4 1/4" x 51/2" Colonial White Envelopes
1 - 12" x 12" Dutch Blue Cardstock
1 - 12" x 12" Colonial White Cardstock
4 - 12" x 12" B&T Duos Paper
1 - Chocolate Distressing Ink
1 - Dutch Blue Distressing Ink
1 - Mini Medley Accents: Shades of Chocolate Collection
5 - Chocolate Ribbon with Colonial White Stitch
50 - 3D Foam Squares

...and my very favorite...
1 - Full Color Step - by - Step Instruction Brochure

Head on over to my MyCTMH website and place your order today! Be sure to add item # CC10006C because that will add on the kit FREE. Until next time~

Recipe Book Add On & Recipe!

2009-08-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

Since I spent part of today preparing for a workshop, I thought I'd take this opportunity to show you a couple more pages for the recipe book I posted a few weeks back. I used this incredible stamp set, Bon Appetit from our Summer 09 Idea Book and let me tell you, it's simply a classic. We had a similar set years ago when Close To My Heart was D.O.T.S. and I've never parted with the wood stamps! The recipe book uses a few of my favorite colors from the Close To My Heart color palette: Smokey Plum, Hollyhock, and Olive. Topiary could be swapped in for Olive if you wish.

There are so many ways this little 3-ring binder can be stamped and decorated to steal the show...how about a baby brag book? Or, a wedding shower gift ready for photographs from the shower itself? A collection of favorite recipes is always a welcome gift, too. It's easy to incorporate photographs or recipes on the backside of each tabbed page.

Speaking of recipes, oh my goodness...our daughter, Jessica, and her friend, Jessica, made us the most scrumptious dinner last night! You've gotta give this a try. Hmmm, now that I think of it, why haven't they been preparing dinner for the last 4 days while they're both home from college??

Chesapeake Chicken Imperial
6 ea. 6-ounce boneless whole chicken breast
6 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
Light Italian dressing
Flour to coat chicken
Pinch of paprika

Crab Imperial Ingredients
1 pound Phillips jumbo lump crabmeat
1 teaspoon parsley
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 egg
1 teaspoon Phillips Seafood Seasoning
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
6 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 ounce capers (optional)
1 ounce finely diced red peppers (optional)
1 teaspoon melted butter

Imperial Sauce
6 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons half & half
1/2 teaspoon Phillips Seafood Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1. Marinate chicken with light Italian dressing, salt and pepper. Place in the refrigerator while preparing the crab imperial and the imperial sauce.

2. Combine all crab imperial ingredients-except for the crabmeat-in a medium mixing bowl and whip until smooth.

3. In a separate mixing bowl, add crabmeat and pour imperial mixture over crabmeat. Blend all ingredients together by tossing gently in order to avoid breaking crab lump meat.

4. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for imperial sauce and whip until smooth.

Cooking the chicken
1. Lightly dredge the chickens in flour, and remove any excess flour. Heat a large skillet with canola oil in a medium-high heat. Cook chicken for three minutes on each side.

2. Place the cooked chicken on a greased baking sheet pan. Put six tablespoons of the crabmeat mixture in the center of each chicken breast and bake at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes.
Top each stuffed chicken breast with imperial sauce, 1/2 ounce shredded cheese and a pinch of paprika. Place in broiler until golden brown.
Serve with your choice of vegetables or starch.

Trust me on this one...it's restraurant taste in your own kitchen!
I'll see you soon with more tales of our hiking adventures!

Hike - Day One

2009-08-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I live in paradise. My town may be small and remote but check out my back yard. Well, not exactly my back yard but darn close...the drive to the trailhead for this hike was a mere 20 minutes. Cindy and Julianne were here this week from Arizona and rather than sit and scrapbook (like we had planned), we took off for the mountains. Remember my last post where I mentioned we could have used some M&M's? Well, this was the hike. We made it on our own fortitude and determination, even though we didn't know exactly how far our destination was (and we had no food). Here's some good old fashioned advice: Don't bother asking anyone on the trail how far the lake is...know it yourself! Ya see, one person will tell you it's just over the next hill and another person will tell you it's another hour. Neither were right on this hike. Then there's my husband who would tell you....."Ah, it's not about the destination...it's the journey." Hmmm, isn't that my motto for this blog? I sort of forgot about that on the trail.

Anyway, we had such a great time together. The scenery was unspeakably beautiful. Bishop is known for its spectacular mountains, hiking, fishing, and year-round outdoor recreation. I think you'll see why shortly.

It took us about an hour to hike to this lake, Long Lake. It's just one of the many beautiful lakes out of Bishop Creek. The trail was uphill all the way, but not as steep as our hike on Day Two. (Seriously, it really was uphill...I promise!) Stay tuned for Day Two...that hike was the bomb!

Do you see Julianne perched on the rock in the background? She and my daughter, Jessica, were pretty funny. Julianne didn't want to go but Jessica made her. What troopers!

Don't laugh at my hat, okay? It's floppy, I know, I know...BUT...it keeps the sun off my face and out of my eyes. (Less wrinkles, I'm hoping!) In my August scrapbook classes, the theme of our layout is "No One Is Quite Like Me." My goofy, floppy hat is what makes me...well...me.

Can you tell we're excited to have made it?? (The girls made me remove my hat for the picture. They're no fun!)

I'll see you in the next post with a few more images from Day Two!

Coulda Used Some of This Today!

2009-08-12T22:05:00.000-07:00

A hike on a beautiful, sunny August day seemed like a good idea. So we got a little bit of a late start...what's the big deal? Well...turns out that I don't hike enough. Because if I did, I would have taken some chocolate...or peanuts...or a granola bar...or something to energize my weary legs trekking back down the trail. I'll write more about our hike later...for now, I have a Chocolate Lover's Survival Kit idea to show you! I could have used one of these today.

My friend (and upline), Karen, gave me a darling treat like this one last week when we were attending Leadership. It made me feel thought of and I had a late night treat to munch on. (Isn't it a great feeling to know someone is thinking of you? I need to do that more...)

The ladies in one of my monthly card classes LOVE, LOVE, LOVE chocolate so this little project was the perfect recipe for a fun, chocolate-filled evening this week. Here's the basic instructions to create your own Chocolate Lover's Survival Kit:

Cardstock: 2 1/2" x 12"
Coordinating B&T paper: 2 1/2" x 12"
Cardstock and/or B&T paper: 3" circle for collar

Cut each out and fold in half. Layer the B&T paper over cardstock. Insert package of M&M's. Staple to the top edge of layered cardstock/B&T paper (one of the open ends). Fold circle in half and attach to the back of cardstock/B&T paper with double stick tape or glue dot. Close the packet all together by folding the circle to the front. Secure with glue dot.

Of course, you'll want to add an extra touch of class by distressing the cardstock and/or B&T paper. The cute little poem on the front reads:

The Chocolate Lover's Survival Kit
At the first sign of anger, eat a RED one.
Eat a BLUE one to minimize depression.
To relieve stress, eat a GREEN one.
If you feel a headache coming on, eat an ORANGE one.
Eat a YELLOW one to cheer you up.
You can eat the BROWN ones at any time.
If all symptoms occur at the same time, EAT THE WHOLE BAG!

My Favorite Things - Side 2

2009-08-09T18:09:00.001-07:00

I have a brilliant friend! Artistic, too. I wish I could be just like her but that wouldn't make me......well, me. So, I have to be happy just being me and being inspired by her creativity. Like this layout...how darling is this! It's the second side to the My Favorite Things layout that we made in my monthly scrapbook group. You know those little leaflets that occasionally come in the mail, advertising different paper crafts? Well, her eye caught this one and she hung on to it for years. Kinda like all of those wonderful papers I hang on to, waiting for just the right photographs to use or journaling that will compliment the theme. Some things are just timeless!

I never cease to be amazed at how all of my wonderful ladies can take the same papers, the same inks, same design and turn it into a work of art. Ahh, so much fun to watch!

For this layout, we used Daydream Paper Pack (#X7108B), Homestead Alphabet (#E1007), and inks in Lilac Mist, Blush, and Sweet Leaf.

See you soon!

My Favorite Things - Side 1

2009-08-06T17:18:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in a previous post that my monthly scrapbook groups are scrapbooking about themselves this year. One of our themes was My Favorite Things. When I designed the pages, I remember walking through my yard thinking what some of my favorite things are...the smell of flowers, their bright colors, the pond we put in this year, great music while cleaning, naps on Sunday afternoon, our annual family vacation to Pismo Beach, scrapbooking and stamping with friends, and the list goes on and on. What was so neat was how the theme got me to thinking! I do have a lot of favorite things in my life. Here is the first side of the layout. There's lots of room in the lower left section for photos! Watch for the second side in the next day or two. It's the greatest.

I love photographing flowers! Can you guess where this photograph of sunflowers was taken? Hint: It's at an amusement park in California. Post your guess in the comment section of this post - I'd love to know your guess!

Another of my favorite things are the friendships I have with other consultants. Although we may not see each other but once or twice a year, they have a special place in my heart. Here's a fun photo of my friend, downline and sister-consultant, Kristina.

When I feel the need for inspiration, I enjoy watching the latest episodes of Close To My Heart TV. Take a few minutes and treat yourself to some incredible inspiration! Watch the current episode or any of the archived episodes. Whatever you choose, you'll be in for a treat.

Until next time!

What A Trip! What A Conference!

2009-08-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

Traveling is always so much fun! (Lots of work, too!) I love going to new places, seeing new things, and meeting new people. It can also be stressful so going with an attitude of gratitude makes it much more enjoyable. On my trip to Long Beach this past week for the annual Close To My Heart Leadership Conference, I spent oh, probably 3 1/2 to 4 hours in traffic on the LA freeways. Talk about trying my patience. I now know how easy it is to rear-end someone in that kind of traffic...the poor fellow in front of me made the mistake of glancing down at his cellphone and accelerating at the same time. Not a good idea...

I have some incredible announcements to share with you so grab something cool to drink, pull up a chair (and a friend!) and be prepared to be WOWED!

To begin with, check out this amazing layout. It's the beginning of something so big and wonderful that you'll pop with excitement!

Announcement 1: Studio J

The folks at Close To My Heart corporate office are absolutely brilliant. Beginning in early 2010, you will have the opportunity to scrapbook online in a digital environment. This, however, isn't any old digital environment...it is exclusively a Close To My Heart digital environment where, with a click of the mouse you can add your photographs to any of 40 exclusive Close To My Heart layouts, add embellishments such as My Stickease, change the color of your paper and ribbon or reposition your title. It's completely amazing...and that's just the beginning! With the look and feel of classic Close To My Heart scrapbooking, you're sure to grow your scrapbooks much quicker. I plan to incorporate both classic and studio designing in my scrapbooks. I hope you'll join me.

For a preview of what's to come, head on over to Close To My Heart's homepage and click on Studio J. The excitement begins now...!

Announcement 2: August Customer Special

Close To My Heart extends a big Thank You to its loyal customers this month by way of FREE products. With any $100 purchase, you will receive the August Stamp of the Month, It's Your Day, along with a FREE package of My Reflections Background & Texture paper AND free tax and shipping/handling. You won't want to put this off, though...the offer is effective from August 3 - 17. Take advantage of it by calling me (760)873-3994, e-mailing me, or placing your order online at my http://laurie.myctmh.com/ website.

One of the best things about being a Close To My Heart consultant is being able to spend time with my sister consultants. Over the years many of them have become my not only my friends but also my inspiration. I love these people! I'll post some photos of some of my friends tomorrow along with some highlights of the Director's dinner.

Until then!

No More Excuses!

2009-07-31T17:05:00.000-07:00

There are no more excuses for not having time to scrapbook! One of the most exciting announcements of our Leadership Conference was made today. I'm excited to share a whole new world of scrapbooking with you...Studio Scrapbooking. This online experience will be like none other and you will have more time to enjoy Classic Scrapbooking. With Studio Scrapbooking, all of your scrapbooking will be done in the digital world. With Classic Scrapbooking, nothing changes...scrapbooking is as wonderful as it's always been. You can choose to do one or the other or a combination of both. More details will be forthcoming but for now, I'd like to share a Studio Scrapbook layout example that was given to consultants a short time ago. Yes, this is all done on the computer!

Watch for special online training sessions where I will introduce you to this new method of scrapbooking with Close To My Heart.

I'm off to spend the evening with my sister consultants at Disneyland...thank you Close To My Heart for treating me to a fun evening!

Laurie

Leadership News!

2009-07-31T14:45:00.000-07:00

Lots of great things are happening at the Close To My Heart Leadership Conference here in Long Beach, CA. Where do I start when there are so many fabulous announcements to make?!

The new Fall/Winter 2009 Idea Book is a huge hit and with tons of new products, you'll be as anxious to have it in your hands as I was. It has been redesigned and you're going to love, love, love it! Several of our products have also been redesigned. My favorite it the new Soft Set Eyelet Tool. Ladies in my workshop groups...we're going to be doing a lot more setting of eyelets!

The most exciting news is that Close To My Heart is introducing an online digital scrapbooking product. If you don't think you have time to scrapbook, you'll think again after the debut of Studio J! More details to come.

Here's my friend, Chris, and I beaming ear to ear because we were all given a beautiful organizational tote! (I love the perks of being a consultant:)

Who knew that 15 years later I'd be celebrating an anniversary with Close To My Heart? I received this beautiful pin as a thank you for my loyalty and service to Close To My Heart. Can't wait to see what the next 15 years bring!

For now, I've got to get back to class so I don't miss a thing. California Adventures awaits us tonight as we have dinner and off to enjoy some rides.

More to come! So long until next time!
Laurie

Big Things - Small Packages

2009-07-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

They say big things come in small packages...no kidding! One of the best gifts I ever received was a little hand stamped brown paper bag filled with my favorite candy, Hot Tamales. (I've been known to hide Hot Tamales from my family then pull them out once everyone has gone to bed. Yeah, I know...closet candy hog....but it works!)

Here's a cute idea that is incredibly simple to recreate. Just take a brown paper lunch bag and cut about 4" off from the top edge. Cover the front and back with a piece of solid cardstock. Layer with coordinating background and texture paper such as Silhouette. Add embellishments to your heart's desire. A ribbon handle completes the gift bag. Don't forget to attach a hand stamped gift tag!

For this cute little bag, I used our Big Pinks as the center focal point, distressing them a little bit with brown ink. (Brown and pink always go together...it's one of my favorite color combinations.) Although this Silhouette Background & Texture paper is predominatly black, there are also tan flowers. You know what I should have done? Color a few of the tan flowers pink. Afterthoughts are great, aren't they?

I'm off to Long Beach tomorrow for the Close To My Heart Leadership Conference. I love these annual events because I get to hang out with fellow consultants who are also great friends. I don't know but I think we'll have a sneak peek into what's coming in the Fall/Winter Idea Book. But you'll have to wait! (Sorry but it's only fair to my fellow consultants:-)

I'll keep you updated on the latest and greatest things happening this weekend, including an evening at Disneyland! (I'll bet you didn't know I'm addicted to rollercoasters:)

It's A Zoo Around Here!

2009-07-26T22:14:00.000-07:00

I'll bet you can relate from time to time! Some days the phone doesn't ring once while other days it doesn't stop. With a home-based business, both are welcome sounds so I'm not complaining! It's just that, well, some days it really feels like a zoo around here. Like this weekend... or, the last few days anyway. You see, we have some really good friends who are professional photographers in our area. I've been blessed to assist them from time to time. I love working with them and seeing their creativity full on. They are amazing! The gentleman had a medical emergency a few days ago and with a wedding yesterday (Saturday), they were unable to photograph it and asked me if I would. So, I had the privilege of filling their big shoes. Between making last-minute arrangements with the bride, gathering my equipment, and preparing for the shoot, well, it felt like I was in a zoo! So, I thought it would be fitting to share this card I made recently since it has that cute little zoo theme.

Recently my sister-in-law had a birthday when I wasn't quite ready for it so you know what that means...yep, she had her birthday without a card from me. When I designed this card originally, it occurred to me that it would make a perfect belated birthday card! What better excuse could I come up with than "It's A Zoo Around Here!" That being the truth, I mailed it off hoping she'd understand my tardiness. She did...and she loved the card!

I should tell you that the red section of the card at the top is secured only by the red brad in the center of the flower on the left. So, the red section flips open (upward and to the left) to reveal the birthday message (with more excuses) that I wrote. Good thing she loves me unconditionally! And, just to get back at me, I'll bet she sends me a handmade card that arrives on-time for my birthday! It's A Zoo (#C1360) is used with Animal Cookies Paper Packet (#item X7112B). Other fluff and fun are ribbons, brads, and paper flowers.
Well, the wedding went very well and I captured the special moments of the day. My favorite photograph is of the ring-bearer handing a bouquet of flowers to one of the darling little flower girls. It's just precious! Maybe I'll have to share that particular image with you soon.

This is a busy week coming up. I'm accompanying my daughter to an out of town wedding the first of the week then a few days after we return, I'll be attending the Close To My Heart Leadership Conference in Long Beach. (I sure hope it's cooler by the sea!) From there, I will meet some of my family in Pismo Beach for a couple of days spent relaxing in the hot tubs, eating Old West Cinnamon Rolls or dining in a tiny shop called Splash eating the best Clam Chowder there ever was! Are you jealous yet? Ah, don't be...let me report to you THEN you can be jealous. In any event, it's all in fun and I look forward to sharing my new adventures with you again soon.

Until next time! Enjoy today- for that's all we have.

About Me - Tribute Side 2

2009-07-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

The wonderful ladies in my scrapbook groups never cease to amaze me! They can take the same Close To My Heart papers, same stamp sets and colors, and the same instruction from me at the same class yet come up with scrapbook layouts that are completely original! The second side of this layout (pictured here) is a perfect example. Some ladies added just a photo or two in the center square while others used the center area as a background and built around it, adding 6-8 photos on the entire page. They always inspire me and get me to think outside of my box.

I have a tendency to design my layouts rather symmetrically (in my safe little box) but a few of my customers never follow my design. They'll tweak and turn photo mats, add a little extra color here or there, and come up with a totally new twist on my original design. One of my gals makes it her mission to be different! And I always look forward to how she'll change my original design.

You may say that this design looks a little crooked - it's meant to! I used Endless Friendship (#D1354) and Bella Paper Pack (#X7114B). It's a simple design so take it and make it your own.

See you again soon!

About Me - Tribute Side 1

2009-07-20T23:12:00.000-07:00

In a previous post, I mentioned that my scrapbook groups are devoting this year to scrapbooking all about themselves. It's been so cool to watch them get excited about actually doing some scrapbooking for themselves! So far we've completed 6 layouts...you'll see them pop up here from time to time, some with photographs and some without. Either way I hope you'll be inspired by the stories from some of my gals and the creative layouts we are making.

This is one page from the Tribute layout. I chose to create a Tribute page so that each of us could remember someone special, either living or not. I left that choice up to each of my ladies. One of my gals completed her layout featuring her 92 year old aunt who is still living. Her journaling included a letter to her Aunt Fern. In the letter (as journaling) she told her Aunt how much she loved to share stories over a cup of coffee. She expressed how much she treasures the values and beliefs her Aunt is passing on to her. I can't think of a more fitting tribute than to write a letter that doubles as journaling and to show appreciation for the legacy her Aunt is leaving.

I've chosen my Tribute page to be about my grandparents. Although they are no longer living, their legacy lives on in my life on a daily basis. This layout will be a celebration of them and their lives! I hope you like it and use it as inspiration for creating your own Tribute layout. I'll have the second page soon.

The Close To My Heart products I've used include Bella Paper Pack (#X7114B ), Endless Friendship (#D1354), Homestead Alphabet (#E1007). The colors in cardstock and ink are Hollyhock, Olive, and Colonial White.

Until next time ~

Captured Memories

2009-07-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

My daughter was cleaning out her binders and folders from this past year (her Freshman year) and I said to her, "Be sure to keep all that stuff! You'll appreciate it in 5, 10, 20 years from now." It prompted me to pull out a hidden treasures box from my high school days and see just how I could embarrass myself. Boy, what a flash to the past! As I read aloud to my kids that one poem about a cowboy, it quickly became apparent why I failed the poetry section of English! Among other "really great" poetry, I found notes that my friend and I passed back and forth in Government class. They are just as fresh as if they were written yesterday. My friend and I are now sister-in-laws so you can imagine the laughter that is to come when I remind her that she wrote of her boyfriend (at the time), "Oh, wouldn't we be so cute together?" Good thing the notes never found their way into the hands of our teacher.

One thing I've always done on behalf of my children as they've grown up is occasionally save papers they'd bring home during the school year. In fact, I had an envelope dedicated to each child for each year. I am sooo glad I did this for my kids - and they are glad, too. Heck, to them, homework is for the birds so why not throw it all out once it's been turned in and graded?! Thankfully, I was able to do their thinking for them in this one little area.

Here's a fresh idea for a great project that you can complete in about 15 minutes. It's perfect for a last-minute gift or a treat for you to set on your desk. Any of Close To My Heart's paper packs will work great and the possibilities for this Display Album are endless.

I used our My CreationsTM Display Album (#Z1054), our cool Dimensional Elements Fresh Shapes (#Z1019), and paper from our Tickled Pink special a few months ago. (Just a little reminder...when you see a product special or other promotion, don't let it slip by without checking it out! Usually once it's gone, it's really gone.)

The chipboard Display Album has 12 pages and can stand to display photos, 6x6 layout pages, or it can be used as a brag book. It's perfect for showcasing memories from a vacation or other special event.

Until next time!

He Was THIS Big!

2009-07-14T21:22:00.000-07:00

So, I talked a bit about our bear encounter in my last post but I decided to write a little more, giving a few more details that led to a couple of good lessons learned. During our trip to Washington State last week, one evening my daughter and I were out in the woods (actually more of a clearning among the woods)...she was practicing driving on a remote dirt road while acting as my chaufeur, stopping along the way so I could hop out and take some photographs of the beautiful landscape. Caring only about where I stepped and finding the perfect composition, the last thing on my mind was running into a bear. Now, any wilderness-wise person out in the woods of Washington would likely have been on the lookout for wildlife...but me? Not even! (Remember, I'm from California...and I had a camera in hand.) So, imagine how thankful I was for not stepping far from the car when I heard my daughter squeal, "Mom, there's a bear on the road!" My concern for setting the right shutter speed and aperture quickly dissipated when I looked in front of us to see a rather large black bear staring us down. My daughter, barely able to peer over the steering wheel (she's working on getting the driving permit...and growing taller), had the presence of mind to snap a few photographs as proof of what we saw. Good thing she did because for some reason, I didn't even think to point my camera in that direction! A missed opportunity, for sure.

We chuckled on our way back to my son's home, saying they'd never believe us. Sure enough, the first thing they asked for when we returned was "evidence". "Ah, it was probably just a really big dog", said my son. "Nu uh...check this out!" And my daugher proudly chimped through her digital images to present the proof.

Now you already know what this has to do with photography...watch your surroundings and for heaven's sake, don't miss a good opportunity! But what's it got to do with scrapbooking? Well, let me return to the subject of photography for a moment. You may have noticed that this is a pretty grainy photograph. Looking closely, you can see that the subject in the middle of the road is a bear but the quality of the photograph is awful. Now, let me say that this is not my daughter's fault...she was simply using one of the many features of her point-and-shoot camera...digital zoom. It's important to note what digital zoom is and what it isn't so rather than take up a lot of space here, jump on over to my Treasures To Memories website and read up on Photo Tips. Back to scrapbooking with your images, you always want the best quality images for your layouts, wouldn't you agree? By taking the time to know your camera's features through reading the manual (yes, I actully suggested THAT!), you will have the power of knoweldge to make quick and wise choices based upon your circumstances. I can't wait to add this little story to my scrapbook, even the "interpolated" bear image! I hope this is as close to a bear in the wild that I ever get.

As an ending to a good lesson, I'd like to share this image I made of Mount St. Helens. It will go perfectly with out Back Country Paper Pack and matching stamp sets and accessories! Imagine the stories that we'll tell from this fun adventure! Oh, by the way...I did keep a small notepad for journaling while on this trip. How many times do we wish we'd have written down places we've been, people we visited with, and things we had done. It's all forgotten so quickly that I've started keeping small notepads in my car and in my purse. Make sure you sum up the day by entering a journaling spot at the end of each day.

See you next time!

A Real Roadie!

2009-07-12T22:05:00.000-07:00

To say I'd ever been on a real road trip would likely be a stretch of the truth. Yes, we've gone back and forth to see family or I've attended various Close To My Heart functions that required extensive traveling, but those trips have a sameness in that they follow the same highways and biways in both directions. So I say they don't count! I'm happy to share that we just returned home from a real honest-to-goodness road trip where we didn't have a specific destination at a specific time. It was great. Not only did we survive but we didn't have any mishaps or get lost more than twice. Not bad for a real roadie!

My husband Joe, myself, and our unemployed, still-to-young-to-leave-behind daughter all took off from California to drive to Washington State to see our son. We made it up there in not 1 single day, like my son makes the trip home (crazy, I say!), but we took a little over a day and a half. It was well worth it because we took some routes that were off the beaten path and saw some beautiful country. The highlights for me had to do with photography...which will eventually make it centerstage in my scrapbooks! Or better yet, in a big print on my wall. Because I wasn't driving, I could be a lookey-lou and scout out barns, fences, fields of wildflowers, and the like then jot down the location so I could sweet-talk my husband/driver into stopping at those locales on the way home. I'd say I got about 50% of the bargain, probably less. That's better than being disappointed altogether! But guess what? I'm going again! BY MYSELF! (Someday:-)

I'd be remiss in not mentioning that the best part of the trip was spending time with our son and his girlfriend. His home sits in a clearing in the middle of a forest...I call it the Enchanted Forest...that way I don't get too spooked.

My daughter and I weren't too far away from his home and I was photographing wildflowers and tree stumps when my daughter yelled from the car, "Mom, a bear!" That was the last thing I expected to find but then again, I'm from California and well, a tanned bum toting a surfboard might have been a more familiar - and less threatening - image. The big guy stood about 100 feet in front of us just staring us down. I made sure I had time to finish making my photographs before jumping in the car for a feeling of safety. Does a heavy tripod make a good self-defense weapon?? Soon after, he wandered over to the side of the road before disappearing in the brush. I learned one good lesson on this roadie...when visiting the great Northwest, keep one eye out for BEARS!

Thinking what we had really seen was just an overgrown dog, when we returned to our son's home, he quickly requested the "evidence", doubting two girls could tell the difference between a bear and a dog. You just watch us!

Our roadie took us to my friend, Chris Green's house for a delicious pizza lunch with her family. The only other time I've been with Chris has been during Close To My Heart events (we're both consultants) so this was really special. We could have reminisced about the Mediterranean Cruise for hours but I'll bet that both our husbands would have fallen asleep. So, we made our visit short and sweet and we'll continue sharing the fun memories the next time we are together.

Lastly, I am so blessed that we were able to take the time to create warm, wonderful, and special memories with those we love and miss dearly. (Brandon, move back closer soon, eh? I'll even come and get you!)

To close, I'm including one more darling divider from my Recipe Book Album that I promised a while back. As you'll begin to see, they are all similar but each with their own character. Hope you enjoy!

CTMH TV

2009-07-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I love computer technology and sometimes I hate it! When my computer is slow or my printer blocks up, computer technology is my least favorite thing at the moment. When everything is humming along like a slick little sportscar, it's my best friend and I'm HAPPY! Today I choose to be grateful for computer technology, mostly because everything is working fine but also because I get to watch the latest episode of CTMH TV!

No matter where you live in this big ol' world, we can all use computer technology to tune in at least once a month and view the latest and greatest in the stamping and scrapbooking world via CTMH TV. Presented by Jeanette Lynton, the founder and CEO of Close To My Heart, each 6-9 minute presentation focuses on a main project, including in-depth instruction and full visuals. In the latest episode, you'll learn how to add a splash of ink, a dash of glitter, and add a touch of creativity as you learn how to create inspiring projects that will make your summer sparkle! Also in this episode of Art & Soul you’ll learn a faux tearing technique, tips for adding white details that pop, and glitter ideas that will make your pages gleam. Take a walk down memory lane with Jeanette as she compares her scrapbooking pages from “then” and “now.”

Click here and you'll go right to the current episode of Art and Soul. While you're there, be sure to check out past episodes. Well, okay...before you go, I guess you'd better grab a tall class of icy cold lemonade, get comfy, and prepare to be wowed!

I'll be away from my computer for a few days but who knows, I may surprise you and post anyway.

See you again soon!

Recipe Book Add On

2009-07-05T17:06:00.000-07:00

A few days I posted a photograph showing a beautiful recipe book idea. This project was for a large workshop so I had to cut paper for multiple recipe books. Once I designed the original, cutting the background and texture paper and cardstock for the workshop was a cinch! Over the next few weeks, I'll add the insert pages. There are 5 all together and I'm sure you'll find them to be not only simple to recreate but very pretty, indeed! Here's the first insert pages:

As a reminder, I used the following Close To My Heart products:

~Z1141 My Creations 3-Ring Binder
~X7114B Bella Paper Pack
~D1367 Bon Appetit Stamp Set
~ D1364 Recipe Box Stamp Set

Stamp pads used include Close To My Heart's Exclusive Inks™ in the following colors: Z2147 Smokey Plum, Z2128 Hollyhock, Z2137 Olive. Don't you just love the grapes and leaves stamp set? It's an all-time classic and one of my favorites.

Everyone should have friends like our dear friends, Guy and Melissa. (This is me with Melissa, not Guy!) We spent a few days with them over the 4th of July. Melissa makes an outrageous Oreo Cookie Cheesecake. I'll share that recipe with you here, especially since today's post features a page from the recipe book.

Melissa's Oreo Cookie Cheesecake

Process in food processor (or smash by hand in a ziploc bag):

2 cups Oreo Cookies, including whites
4 tablespoons butter

Pat with spoon in 9" springform pan.

Beat:
4 - 8oz. pkgs. cream cheese
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons flour

Add: 4 whole eggs and 3 egg yolks. Beat until mixed. Stir in additional crushed Oreo Cookies. Pour in pan. Top with whole Oreo Cookies. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes then reduce oven to 225 degrees and bake additional 50 minutes. When knife inserted in cheesecake comes out clean, turn off oven and let cheesecake sit in over for 15 minutes. Take out after 15 minutes, let cool, then refrigerate. Top with 2 cups sour cream and 1/4 cup sugar.
Notes: Get yourself plenty of Oreos! Two bags should suffice. We ran short of Oreos but I had some Reese's Peanut Butter Cups on hand so I chopped those up and threw them in with the Oreos. Yummy!

2009-07-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

We're getting excited for the annual fireworks display tomorrow night at the Bishop Airport. Families gather in the early evening for BBQing, playing games, and setting off "legal" fireworks before the big fireworks production sponsored by our volunteer fire department. The awesome show is set to patriotic music is the perfect ending to a great summer day.

Projects celebrating America's July 4th holiday should include Close To My Heart's traditional patriotic colors such as those shown in the swatches on the left. Additionally, several of our scrapbook kits are perfect for your 4th of July photographs. I might suggest the following themes:

Animal Cookies
Back Country
Blue Ribbon
Route 66

All of these themes are available in Level 1 Scrapbook Kits (4 pre-printed pages with 2 sheets of My Stickease), Level 2 Paper Packs (cardstock and patterned paper), and My Stickease. You can see each of the themes in the current Idea Book or view them at my http://www.laurie.myctmh.com/ website. (Pssst...you can place your order there, too!)

Are you prepared to take photographs at your 4th of July celebrations? I hope so! Here are some tips to help you achieve great fireworks photos.

Tip 1: If shooting with a point-and-shoot camera, check to see if there is a 'fireworks' setting. If so, use it!
Tip 2: Watch your backgrounds. Shoot low and into the sky if possible. Watch for errant objects in the background that might distract from the fireworks.
Tip 3: You'll be using a slow shutter speed so if possible, use a tripod.
Tip 4: Shoot verticals and horizontals. Watch to see that your horizons are horizontal!
Tip 5: If your camera has a shutter lag (that annoying time between pressing the shutter button and when the exposure is actually taken), anticipating the action may result in more successful images. Press the shutter just before the fireworks explode.
Tip 6: Switch your flash to OFF.

Now go out and have fun!

2009-07-02T00:39:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a quick and easy gift, one that will deliver something thoughtful and creative, and be a treasure for years to come, why not make a family recipe book?

The following Close To My Heart items were used to create this lovely recipe book:

~Z1141 My Creations 3-Ring Binder
~X7114B Bella Paper Pack
~D1367 Bon Appetit Stamp Set
~ D1364 Recipe Box Stamp Set

Directions:
1. Cut a piece of Bella B&T paper to fit front of binder.
2. Cut a 2nd piece long enough that will cover the back and side of the album and wrap around to the front.
3. On the end that wraps to the front (the pink shown on the left), fold and crease back to the left as shown. Glue in place.
4. Stamp as desired.

The 3-Ring binder has 5 tabbed inserts than can be used as recipe category separators. Cover each insert with any coordinating Bella B&T paper and stamp as desired.

Gift-giving suggestion: Make several recipe books and give as gifts for the holidays.

2009-07-01T21:51:00.001-07:00

I'm excited to share the July Constant Campaign with you. You'll want to give a "high five" for the FAVORITE FIVE! Join Close To My Heart as a new consultant anytime between July 1 - 31, 2009 and you'll receive your choice of FIVE additional select products absolutely FREE. Here's a flyer with more details...be sure to check it out. It's a heck of a deal so don't delay! To sign up, visit my MyCTMH website then click on Your Opportunities then "click here" at the bottom of that page. The sign-up process is super easy and quick. As always, don't hesitate to e-mail me with any questions.

FIVE REASONS WHY I LOVE BEING A
CLOSE TO MY HEART CONSULTANT

1. Earning $$ doing something I love!
2. Raising a family while contributing financially.
3. Friends have become customers and customers have become friends.
4. The cruises!
5. Supporting my second love, photography.

Along with a new month comes a new Stamp of the Month. It's a great one, too. But then again, is there ever a month where we don't have a great Stamp of the Month? Remember that each Idea Book includes 4 months of Stamp of the Month specials. You'll always find them on the inside back cover.

2009-06-14T23:27:00.001-07:00

I love surprises and although I don't get many sprung on me these days, I know my Deal - A - Day with Close To My Heart will be a fun surprise. I find myself anticipating that excitement each day! Don't get the day pass by without visiting my http://www.laurie.myctmh.com/ website for today's Deal - A - Day offer!

I spent a good part of my weeked working to beautify my lovely yard and I think I succeeded! I can't wait to show you the serene photos of our new backyard pond. From the first shovel's dig to the final plant in the ground around the water's edge, I have photos to remember it each step of the way. I can't wait to make this project a layout or two in my All About My Life scrapbook that I'm doing for me...and just me.

Deal A Day - What a Deal!!

2009-06-09T00:32:00.000-07:00

Click on this cute little green image and you'll instantly be transported to my website http://www.laurie.myctmh.com. Details of these daily specials can be found there so check every morning for the day's greatest catch by clicking on Shop Online. E-mail me with any questions and I'll be glad to stop my gardening to help you purchase some scrapbook supplies. See you here soon!

It's Bloggin Time!

2009-06-09T00:05:00.000-07:00

By now, hopefully you are seeing a nice blog design that will showcase some of my greatest passions in life... stamping and scrapbooking, photography, and gardening. I plan to share the goings and comings in my daily life as well...hope you'll become a follower and pick up petals of inspiration throughout the months and years to come.