Computer issues :(

Coming to you live from Mike's PC, which he really hates (sorry Mike.)  I've been experiencing some laptop issues - that's why I haven't posted in a few days.  I am trying to get it all up & running before this last week of vacation winds down.  Sorry for the lack of posts, please check back in very soon to see the latest layouts & cutting guides!

A background idea...

Did you get the August Stamp of the Month with your order because it was free (if you spent "that much") but didn't know what you'd do with it?

Here's a book using markers to color in the "strawberry" (because in my mind, anything pink with chocolate much be strawberry!)  You know what I immediately thought of when I saw this?  background paper!  A little time consuming, but so easy to do:

 

 

Depending on what I was using it for, I might switch up the colors on top of the truffles, and maybe use a red for "black cherry" instead of just "strawberry."

 

One thing I know for sure?  This photo has made me seriously consider cheating on my diet with a box on Whitman's Sampler.  Let's hope I can exercise some will power.  :)

And the winner is.....

Kristen!!

I made a video of Mike pulling the winning slip out of a container but can't get it uploaded.   

I have been busy with my back-to-school routine - throwing tons of stuff out, calling donation people for a large pick up, washing clothes appropriate for work (because it seems they frown upon sports bras & shorts for teachers), and doing all the house & school chores I said I would do all summer long but didn't. 

Today I painted another large area of 3 basement walls and I have to say, 4 colors later, I love this one.  Sold.  I also painted one of the living room walls, which means my sectional is in pieces and my tables are in the kitchen.  It will stay that way for the week I'm sure...so no time to scrap. :(

I will post another layout tomorrow that I finished in advance knowing this routine would happen again.  We start a new blog candy contest with that post!

Have a productive day!!  As always, thanks for stopping by!

Last Day for Blog Candy!

I've been a little crazy the last few days with my annual back-to-school-frenzy.  Purging, prepping, clothes shopping...the works.  I hope to post one more layout before the chaos kicks in today.  Remember to check back & comment - blog candy drawing is tomorrow morning!

Fellow CTMH Consultants - remember to comment be eligible for this month's cutting guide to help give your customers a fun way to get 5 layouts from 1 paper pack after adding their own base papers!  Quantity & quality at a relatively low price - can't beat that!

Check back later today to see if I managed to post one last chance to comment, and be sure to check in tomorrow to see if you are the blog candy winner!

Have a great Saturday!  Thanks for stopping by!

Another chance at blog candy!

Mike gets to travel a lot with his job.  He says he doesn't like it, but he does.  This was a business retreat a company he deals with invited him to - all expenses paid - at Sundance.  Yes, that Sundance.  The pictures are amazing in person.  Yet another trip I was really jealous about...

This layout is from the same Magnifique cutting guide I used for the other 2 layouts with the same paper.  While all use the same paper pack, I really don't think any of the layouts look "alike."

 

 

 

People have asked about photo sizes on my layouts...I don't stick to a "standard size."  If the sketch I'm using calls for a 7x9, that's what I'm using.  I'm not good at straying from a sketch or substituting photo sizes.  I'd rather have it look just like the sketch.  You may have no problem with that, or may only use 4x6 so adjust as you go, etc.  I like different sized photos.  Just a matter of personal taste!

 

Don't forget to leave some blog love below to be entered into the August 18th blog candy drawing!

 

As always, thanks for stopping by!

For those who asked me about being a "Junior Consultant," here you go!

Over the last few days several people have discussed the "Consultant options" Close to my Heart offers.  Since I don't "actively recruit" people I was unsure of the details.  Remember, I signed up because I can make my quota myself & get the discount...so why pay full price & make someone else's minimums?  Because four people have asked, here are a few details that address their specific questions:

"Consultant:" Places orders totaling $300 per quarter (it's an added total of all orders from that quarter); you get a 22% discount on all products ordered. 

"Junior Consultant:" Does not meet the $300 quota during any given quarter.  You are only required to have orders totaling $100 per quarter (it's an added total of all orders from that quarter); you get a 10% discount on all products ordered.  If you have $300 in orders during a future quarter, you are bumped back up to a "regular Consultant" until the time comes when you don't meet those minimums, and then you are dropped back down to Junior.

You have a "grace quarter" when you first sign up to make your 1st minimums.  The quarter are 3 months long & begin in January, April, July, & October.  If you sign up in January, for example, you have Jan., Feb., March to make your minimum.  But, since it's your first time with the company, you get a "grace period" of April, May, & June as well to get that $300 met.  During this time, you get the 22% discount.  For this reason, I would sign up at the beginning of a new Quarter.  More time to meet the quota, and more time to get the 22% discount.

You cannot sign up as a "Junior," once you fail to meet the $300 minimum you automatically drop down once your grace period is up.  Don't forget to have $100 in products ordered before that time or you are dropped altogether.

The New Consultant kit is $49, or you can get an expanded kit for $99.  Both are in the new Idea Book - take a look and see which one is best for you.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me!  You are more than welcome to sign up under me.  If you do, Consultant or Junior, you are eligible for a free layout cutting guide each month (or to attend the class without ordering something) since you would be considered "my downline" & the guides would be "mentoring."  :)

Same Cutting Guide, Different Layout...

A rare layout of us!  OK, it's not completely about us but we're in a few photos.  I take the photos in our family so I'm rarely in them.  That works for me because I hate having my picture taken.  It was one of the worst parts of our wedding day for me.  This was not our wedding...clearly!  I used Close to my Heart's Flip Flaps (4x6 size) on this layout so I could include all the pictures I wanted to while still using the layout sketch I liked best.  I wanted the left page to have that large photo, and without the Flip Flaps I would have been forced to decide between the layout sketch I liked, the large photo I loved swapped out for a smaller version, or leaving off 2 other photos.  I knew I would make just 1 layout for the event, which was "added pressure!"

 

This is actually "under the flip flap."  here is what you see when you get to this layout in the album:

 

 

Notice the right photo.  Under it is a picture of Mike & the husband of the girl I'm pictured with in the first photo.  Next time I'll try to remember to take photos with the flip flaps open.

This layout is part of a cutting guide.  In fact, it's part of the same guide as the last layout I posted.  If you place an order & would like it, ask me for the Magnifique Cutting Guide.  If you are a CTMH Consultant commenting and send a SASE, please be sure to write the same on the back of the envelope!

Just a reminder about the blog candy contest - for every layout during the next 2 weeks you comment on your name will go into a proverbial hat.  On Sunday, August 18th, I'll pick a name out of that hat and post the winner here. Please tune in to see if it's you since I'll need your full name & mailing address!  A few of you have several tickets already in the "hat!"

A reminder for CTMH Consultants from outside of my area - your name is not going in the hat.  However, if you become "a regular" around here with comments on posted projects I will share my cutting guides with you, 1 per month since that's about all I can manage when school starts.  If I can get up to 1 every 2 weeks I'll let you know.  Please identify yourself as CTMH with your comment.  There is no drawing for the guide - everyone who does the above is eligible.  You'll just need to send me a SASE so I can mail the guides to you (or I might go broke in postage, which the hubby will not appreciate.)  I'll list your names under the blog candy winner on the same date, in the same posting.  Please be sure to "like" my Facebook page so I can private message you my address.  I hope you will find these guides useful in running more or different classes for your customers!