My Uncle Roel Villarreal

On Thursday, November 12, 2009 - my Uncle Roel was involved in a major auto accident. He was leaving his sub-division and turning left on Barker-Cypress when a BMW ran a red light and t-boned him. Needless to say, he sustained several internal injuries which resulted in him being life-flighted to Memorial Hermann (TMC). You may or may not know my Uncle Roel so let me tell you a little about him. I spent MANY summers in Kingsville with my Aunt, Uncle and Cousin. They became my second family and have become a big part of my life. (Thanks mom for always letting me spend time with your sister!!) My unlce is very relaxed and laid back. He retired from Kingsville A&M about 2 years ago. He was the Director of Financial Aide. Many people know him as "Mr. V" My Aunt and Uncle relocated to Houston. I see them pretty often. So when I heard about his accident, my heart dropped. I could only imagine how my aunt and cousin were feeling. As soon as my work day was over My Uncle Danny, Aunt Gloria and I headed to Memorial Hermann. I spent the rest of the weekend going back and forth to the hospital. Another work-week has started and my thoughts and prayers are with my aunt and cousin. If you are interested in following his progress you can go to: http://www.mistervsjourney.blogspot.com/ Delena has been blogging and keeping everyone updated. I am sure they are flooded with call and texts and e-mails. If you are reading this, please keep my Uncle Roel in your prayers. I believe in the power of prayer!!

My message to everyone is......drive with both hands and keep your eyes on the road! I realize in this day and age everyone is multi-tasking and is VERY distracted when they are behind the drivers seat. It does not pay to be in a rush or to be distracted. My Uncle Roel was going for breakfast and now his world has changed. And not only his world but my aunt's and cousin's. He is 65 and retired. He should be enjoying life and now he has a long road to recovery.

Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

My 36th Birthday

I celebrated my 36th birthday on Friday, October 30th. I started out by taking the day off. I went to my neice's Halloween Party at school....picked her up and then we headed off to get Mani/Pedi's. She LOVED it!! Then we started making our way to the restaurant. I made a pit stop at Best Buy and bought the latest Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, and AFI CD's. (yes, I buy the whole CD and I LOVE Alternative music!!!) Then we ended up at Mi Casa in Pecan Grove. I had an awesome time and I want to thank my family and friends that showed up to celebrate with me. I had an awesome time. After that, some of my friends and I headed off to the "after" party. As we started making our way home we stopped at Waffle House and had breakfast. This was the best birthday!!

April 2010 Calendar

Products used to complete April:

• Unforgettable Reflections Level II
• WOTG Layout (Sept. 2008 / Perfect Day)
• Monthly Calendar
• Vanilla Cardstock
• Sorbet Cardstock
• Cocoa Ink
• Sorbet Ink
• Bling
• Cocoa Grossgrain Ribbon
• Designer Ribbon Rounds: Sorbet
• Rub Ons: Love Letters
• Dim. Elem.: Framed Fun
• Pewter Brads (for the "perfect" knot)
• "Cocoa" Thread (Non-CTMH)
• Distressing Tools
• Foam Tools
• Piercing Tool
• Microtip Scissors
• Stamp Set: C1340 Aspiration
• Stamp Set: D1386 Save the Date
• Stamp Set: D1329 Noteworthy
• Disney Cricut for the letters and numbers

March 2010 Calendar

Products used to complete March:

• Emporium Reflections Level II
• Cherish: Elegant Showcare - Left Side (pg. 56)
• Monthly Calendar
• Buttercup Cardstock
• Cocoa Cardstock
• Sweet Leaf Cardstock
• Twilight Cardstock
• Colonial White Cardstock
• Cocoa Ink
• Sweet Leaf Ink
• Bling
• Cocoa Organdy Ribbon (Retired)
• Chocoalte Gingham Ribbon (Non-CTMH)
• Pewter Designer Brads
• Pewter Brads
• Mini-Medley Shades of Chocoalte
• "Buttercup" Thread (Non-CTMH)
• Distressing Tools
• Foam Tools
• Piercing Tool
• Microtip Scissors
• Stamp Set: D1330 Connections
• Stamp Set: D1332 Boutique Borders
• Stamp Set: D1321 Festivities
• Stamp Set: D1386 Save the Date
• Stamp Set: D1329 Noteworthy
• Disney Cricut for the letters and numbers

February 2010 Calendar

Products used to complete February:

• That's Amore Reflections Level II
• Reflections: Half & Half Combination (pg. 88)
• Monthly Calendar
• Vanilla Creme Cardstock
• Tulip Cardstock
• Blush Cardstock
• Chocolate Ink
• Tulip Ink
• Bling
• Chocoalte Grossgrain Ribbon
• Vanilla Grossgrain Ribbon (Non-CTMH)
• Heritage Edge Anchors
• Pewter Brads (for the "perfect" knot)
• Journaling Spots: Love Always
• Just Blooms Paper Flowers
• "Chocolate" Thread (Non-CTMH)
• Prisma Glitter
• Distressing Tools
• Foam Tools
• Piercing Tool
• Microtip Scissors
• Dim. Elem.: Framed Fun
• Bonding Memories Glue
• Stamp Set: Key To My Heart (from CC)
• Stamp Set: D1254 Soul Mates
• Stamp Set: D1386 Save the Date
• Disney Cricut for the letters and numbers

2010 Calendar (Jan-April)

This is the first part of a three-part workshop. I held this workshop in September and we completed January thru April. It was a pretty intense workshop as it took 4-6 hours to complete (depending on speed and let's face it.....visiting - which is the best part!!)

This is a list of the items used to complete January:

• Tickled Pink (I used paper from this Constant Campaign)
• Reflections: Bottom Border, Layerd (pg. 37)
• Montly Calendar
• Crystal Blue Textured Cardstock
• Sweet Leaf Cardstock
• Twilight Cardstock
• Tulip Cardstock
• Sweet Leaf Ink
• Tulip Ink
• Blusk Ink
• Bling
• Sweet Leaf Organdy Ribbon (Non-CTMH)
• Crystal Blue Organdy Ribbon (Retired)
• Winter Cozy Mini-Medley
• "Buttercup" Thread (Non-CTMH)
• Prisma Glitter
• Distressing Tools
• Foam Tools
• Dim. Elem.: Borders
• Fancy Cut Die-Cuts: Borders
• Bonding Memories Glue
• Stamp Set: I Am (from Tickled Pink CC)
• Stamp Set: Celebrate (from Everyday Celebration CC)
• Stamp Set: D1386 Save the Date
• Disney Cricut for the letters and numbers

Stampaganza!! (buy 2 stamps sets get 1 FREE)

Stampaganza 2009Stamp lovers rejoice! CTMH is making it easy to build your stamp collection! Cardmakers and scrapbookers alike will love this opportunity to earn free stamps during the November campaign.

Dates: November 3–30, 2009

Featured Product(s): My Acrylix® Stamp Sets: Purchase any two stamp sets (sizes A, B, C, D, and/or E only) at full retail price and receive a third stamp set of your choice for FREE (of equal or lesser value)—a savings of up to $22.95 US / $28.50 CAN! For Consultants:

Notes: Stamp sets available for FREE include: A, B, C, and D-size sets only. E-size, customizable (K), Workshops on the Go™ and Stamp of the Month are not available as the free set.

Stamp sets that count toward the qualifying purchase include full-priced A, B, C, D, and E-size sets only. Stamps that do not qualify toward a qualifying purchase include Stamp of the Month, Art & Soul, Workshops on the Go™, and customized (K) stamps.

How many promotional stamp sets can each customer?

Customers can participate as much as they’d like. They will receive their choice of a free stamp set after every two sets they purchase at full retail price. If they buy four sets at retail, they will receive an additional two free sets; if they purchase six sets at retail, they will receive an additional three free sets, and so on.

To determine which sets a customer will receive for free, follow this simple process:
Total all the different sizes of stamp sets you hope to order (whether those are free or paid sets).
Determine the SMALLEST size of stamp set on the order. This is what will be redeemed for free.
If your order generates more than one free set, the free sets will always be the SMALLEST size of stamp sets on the entire order.

Two examples:
If you wishe to place one order with 6 stamp sets, you are eligible to receive 2 of those sets for free. Following the process above, if 3 of the sets are D-size, and 3 are C-size, you will receive the two smallest sizes for free—2 of the C-size sets.

If you place a single order of 3 D-size sets, you will receive 1 D-size set free. If you place a subsequent order of 3 C-size sets, you will receive one C-size set for free. Even though both examples include the same quantity and sizes of stamp sets, what is earned for free is different because of how the orders are organized. Our Order Entry system is configured to always recognize the smallest size of stamps and to offer those for free. Please take this into consideration when working with your customers and placing your orders.

Workshop Kits Available....

Workshops on the Go™ Kits Easier Than Ever!!

The Workshops on the Go™ Basic kit is now available through EZ Invite online orders. And also just announced....as a half price item as part of the Hostess Rewards Plus. Close To My Heart keeps making it easier to purchase the kits.

The basic kit features (for $29.95):

• Level II Papaer Pak ($12.95 value)
• An EXCLUSIVE stamp set ONLY available as part of the kit ($13.95 value)
• Instructions ($1.00 value)
• A coordinating embellishment (value varies $3.95 - $7.95)

The item # for the basic kits are as follows:

• G1000 = Twitterpated (featured embellishment Z1127 Chocolate Ribbon Rounds)
• G1001 = Grace (featured embellishment Z1287 Rustic Edge Anchors)
• G1002 = Jingle (Z1220 Twinkle Brads)
• G1003 = Sweet Home (Z1136 White Daisy Mini-Medley)

Patrick Swayze (08/18/1952 - 09/14/2009)

I am so behind on posting....but wanted to take time to remeber Patrick Swayze. I have to say the most memorable role he played (for me) is Dirty Dancing. I loved that movie. I can't believe that it was 1987 when the movie debuted and I was only in the 7th grade. I loved the chemistry between him and Jennifer Grey. "Nobody puts Baby in a corner!" I can still hear him sing "She's Like The Wind".

My other favorite movies are Point Break and To Wong Foo.

You will be greatly missed!

Sept. Workshop = 2010 Calendar Pt. 1

In September we will begin working on a 2010 calendar. This will be a 3-part workshop. This month we will create: January, February, March and April. If you plan on attending this workshop, be sure to bring all of your tools. We will use a little bit of everything. I will have a little bit of sewing to my calendar. I love how thread adds a nice finished touch!

Here are the dates for the September Workshop:

Friday, September 18th at 6:30 PM

Saturday, September 19th at 2:00 PM

Sunday, September 20th at 2:00 PM

Cost: $30.00

Location: Joey's Scrap Room

RSVP by: Wednesday, September 16th

When Melrose Place Ruled the World!!

Okay, so I was updating my FaceBook last night when I came across an advertisement for the NEW Melrose Place. What?? Was my first reaction. Seriously, a NEW Melrose Place? What could possibly be better than the original which, first aired July 8, 1992 and ran for 7 seasons. I didn't think anything of it. I made a comment on my FB and that was it...never thought of it again. Until my BFF called me and reminded me that it was on TV. Wow! Boy did that bring back memories of us watching Melrose Place faithfully EVERY Monday night! Oh how I loved the night time soap. I couldn't get enough of the the twists and turns and the lying, cheating and back stabbing. Amanda Woodward (Heather Locklear) was a "Guest" star all 7 seasons! She was my favorite character.
Michael Mancini and SyndeyAndrews were on last night's first Pilot episode. Wow! It does not look like they have aged one bit! I would love to drink from their fountain of youth. Poor Sydney never got a break and she was so misunderstood. I can't believe that she was on the first NEW Melrose Place episode. She was killed in a car accident on her wedding day in the Series Finale (May 24, 1999). I guess talking to my BFF on the phone and watching the NEW Melrose Place I missed the whole conversation where Micheal Mancini helped FAKE her death. And she lived.....only to die, again! Poor Sydney!

So here's to the NEW Melrose Place. I doubt it will ever live up to the original. I may try to suffer thru a few of the episodes to see if I can get into it. Honestly, I would rather buy the original Melrose Place series on DVD and watch them all at once. I already have season 1 and have alread watched it. Now, I need to buy seasons 2-7.

September 2009 SOTM = Treasures

This is the September stamp of the Month: Treasures

I love this stamp set. I created the card using:

• Sept. SOTM = Treasures
• Reflections Level II = Bella
• Colonial White Ric Rac
• White Daisy Ink (I stamped this first and let it dry)
• Fall / Winter Connection Club Rewards = Pearls
• Olive Cardstock
• Smokey Plum Cardstock and Ink

Robin's Home Workhsop: 6 cards using Bella

Robin hosted a Home Workshop on August 22, 2009. We created 6 cards using papers from the Bella Reflections Level II Paper Pak. This has become my all time favorite paper!!! I think what I like most is the Smokey Plum. I forget how much I like this color. Robin had several friends come over for this card workshop.

Robin treated us like queens! We had so much food and all of it was delicious! I had to taste test everything. Her husband was an awesome host and he didn't seem to mind that he had a house full of women.

There were several animals running around (Robin loves animals!)...but there was one particular cat that loved my bag. He spent most of the time curled up at the bottom of my roller bag and he didn't seem to mind that he was squished.

I would like to thank all of the ladies that were there. I appreciate each of you taking the time to come to a crafty party and spend the afternoon with me. I hope I was able to teach you a little about Close To My Heart products and the love I have for the products.

Scrap On!!

2009 Fall / Winter Catalog

The 2009 Fall / Winter Catalog has arrived and is available to customers! I am very excited with at all of the NEW stamps, papers, etc. I have mailed out the catalogs to my customers. If you have not received one, please contact me and I will get one mailed out to you.

National Stamping Month Everyday Celebration

Delight in the Everyday with a Stunning New Card Kit To celebrate National Stamping Month in September, CTMH has designed a gorgeous new card kit for making 16 cards and are offering it in a multi-faceted Everyday Celebration campaign where there's something for everyone! Featured Colors: Chocolate, Colonial White, Dutch Blue, Sweet Leaf

There are 3 ways you can earn the Everyday Celebration campaign:
1) Purchase the kit or earn it free as a CUSTOMER.
2) HOST a party in September with a home gathering totaling $400.00
3) Enroll as a new CONSULTANT in September.


For Customers:
Dates: August 18–September 30, 2009

Customers may purchase the Everyday Celebration card kit outright for $39.95 (item number CC1006B) or you may get one card kit for FREE with a minimum purchase of $60.00 in stamp sets (includes A, B, C, D, and E-size; excludes Stamp of the Month, and K-size custom stamp sets). (Item number CC1006C).

For Hostesses:

Dates: September 1–30, 2009

Hostesses who have a qualifying Home Gathering totaling $400.00 will receive the Everyday Celebration kit for FREE! (Item number CC1006D)

For New Consultants:
Dates: September 1–30, 2009
New Consultants who enroll September 1–30 will receive the Everyday Celebration kit FREE as part of their New Consultant Kit!


Summary of Dates:
Customers: August 18–September 30, 2009
Hostesses: September 1–30, 2009
New Consultants: September 1–30, 2009

These are the recommended My Acrylix® block sizes for the Everyday Celebration stamp set:

• 2” x 2” (Y1003)
• 2 1/2” x 2 1/2” (Y1004)
• 2” x 3 1/2” (Y1009)

The Everyday Celebration card kit, designed exclusively for National Stamping Month in September, includes:

• 1 – My Acrylix® Everyday Celebration Stamp Set (D-size) (Only available with this kit!)
• 16 – 4 1/4” x 5 1/2” Colonial White Card Bases
• 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
• 1– 5’ Chocolate Ribbon with Colonial White Stitch
• 1– Foam Squares
• 1– Sponge
• 16 – 4 1/4” x 5 1/2” Colonial White Envelopes
• 1– Full Color Step-by-Step Instructional Brochure

August 2009 Workshop Weekend

I had 2 ladies attend my workshop this weekend that wanted to do something a little different with their Tin Purse. The used the Expedition papers and one of them even placed a dark brown boa on the handle. Needless to say, the tins turned out CUTE!!! I wanted to share their creative art work.

2009 Fall / Winter Catalog = Booking Set

This adorable stamp set is a must have for the upcoming Christmas season! Ask me how you can get this for FREE!

2009 Fall / Winter Catty Teaser...

Here is a new item that can be found in the 2009 Fall / Winter Catalog. I will be ready to shar the new catalogs soon!! You are going to love the new papers and stamps!

Remember....products go live September 1st....just 2 weeks away!

Kidz Krafts = August 12, 2009

Once again, we had an AWESOME Kidz Krafts. Sarah, Mattie, Gabi and Victoria attended. We made a cute little paper bag album using Cocoa papers. A storm was moving in and Sarah & Mattie left before I could take a group picture.

If the parents are interested in having Kidz Krafts once a month, please contact me. If there is not enough interest....we will begin Kidz Krafts next summer!

The next Kidz Krafts is scheduled for:

Date: Wednesday, August 29th
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: $15.00
Other: We will create something cute!!
Location: Joey's Scrap Room
*pictures used with permission

Tin Purse Workshop Weekend $25.00

This weekend we will create this adorable "Tin Purse" with a few dividers and 3 fabulous cards! We will use lots a bling and glitter!! The 3 cards we will make are new designs from Wishes. Kindly RSVP. I want to be prepared for each of you. The following are the dates of my weekend workshop:

Dates & Times (Location - Joey's Scrap Room):

Friday, August 14th @ 6:30 PM

Saturday, August 15th @ 2:00 PM

Sunday, August 16th @ 2:00 PM

Items to Bring:

Autumn Terracotta Ink

Hollyhock Ink

Barn Red Ink

Sweet Leave Ink

Microtip Scissors

Bonding Memories Glue

Liquid Glass

Piercing Tool

2009 Fall / Winter Catalog TEASER!!!

I am still waiting for the NEW 2009 Fall / Winter Catalog...but I have to tell you...there are some awesome products! I've taken a sneak peak at the on-line catalog (available to consultants ONLY) and I am very excited at what's in store for my customers. There have been a few changes to the Hostess Club that I know you are just going to LOVE!!! The best part of the new program is....an exclusive stamp will come in the Basic choice at a DISCOUNT!! I love CTMH!! As I see each of you, I will share all of the fun and exciting things that is soon to come.

Until then....keep creating!

August 3-17, 2009 Thanks-A-Bration!

As a special thank you to your customers, this August 3–17, 2009, all orders for $100 US / $124.95 CAN will receive a free My Acrylix® It’s Your Day August Stamp of the Month and a My Reflections® Level 2 paper packet. There is a limit of one free paper packet and Stamp of the Month per qualifying order. No shipping/handling or tax on free items, but shipping/handling and tax will still apply on the $100 US/$124.95 CAN qualifying purchase.

Contact me to place your order.

August SOTM = It's Your Day!

This is the August stamp of the month It's Your Day! I got the idea for this card from Wishes. I stamped the image on top of the cake, pierced holes and then used floss to decorate.

Products Used:

• Animal Cookies Level II
• Prisma Glitter
• Liquid Glass
• Clover Meadow ink
• Dutch Blue ink
• Tulip ink
• Sunflower ink
• Red & Pink Floss
• Rubber Brayer
• Corner Rounder

Being Creative

This is what my room looks like when I am being creative and Iam working on more than one project. I am working on both tables! In these photos I was creating the megaphones and composition books for Kidz Krafts. On the other table I was working on the July and August workshops. Whew!!

Kidz Krafts = July 22, 2009

My Kidz Krafts met on July 22nd. Sarah, Victoria, Gabi and Mattie attended. We created cute megaphones and covered a composition book and a pen to match. The girls selected a style for their initial; covered it with Bonding Memories Glue and then glittered it!! We had glitter or Pixie Dust (as the girls called it) ALL over the place!!! Then they selected an animal print paper and a boa of their choice. I think the girls had a great time.

We will work on 12 x 12 layouts for our next Kidz Krafts

Date: Wednesday, August 12th

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Cost: $15.00

Other: Bring about 10-12 pictures

Location: Joey's Scrap Room

*pictures used with permission

3-Ring Binder Workshop $25.00

This weekend we will create this cute memory keepsake. We will use the My Creations 3-Ring Binder and a few of the Memory Protector Flip Flaps. The 3-ring binder is perfect ro 4x6 potos. I will also give you a pacakage of Journey Journaling Spots which are perfect for adding dimension or tags to your 3-ring binder and they are also great for journaling!

You can RSVP for the following dates:

Friday, July 24th @6:30 pm

Saturday, July 25th @2:00 pm

Sunday, July 26th @ 2:00 pm

Supplies to bring:

Piercing Tool

Sanding Block

Microtip Sscissors

Liquid Glass

Sponges to Distress (Cranberry, Desert Sand)
Inks:

* Cranberry

* Indian Corn Blue

* Desert Sand

* Garden Green