Ms. Holiday Cheer

It is so good to be home. I have a zillion things to do before "The Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall" Party that I am having on Wednesday night, but I couldn't help myself. I had to go into my studio and create at least one card today. I pulled out one of my new favorite holiday stamp sets- Ms. Holiday Cheer and created this cute and easy card. Enjoy!

Tina

Recipe-

Stamp Set- Ms. Holiday Cheer
Paper- Creative Basics- Jingle Collection
Inks- Archival Black
Markers- Juniper and Hollyhock
Accessories- Prisma Glitter, Liquid Glass, Sand Paper, Sparkles

Jersey Girls... SO MUCH FUN!

I am having a blast in Jersey. As Jen says, " No Rules, just lots of fun." I am off to work this morning but just had to share a few photos from yesterday. As you can guess, we had to try New York Style Thin Crust Pizza last night. Can I say "YUM!" Tonight we are off to Manhattan!

Eating my way through the East Coast and loving every minute of it!

Tina

Love My Friends

Back Row- Ummm Debbie

Front Row- Karen Johnson, Me, Jennifer Cox

It was a long day with show set up. But the Jersey Girls worked darn hard and we finished with time to spare. We thought about a trip to New York City but decided to wait until Saturday night to do that. So... we resorted to the hot tub. Thanks Jennifer for a great idea. I left my swimsuit in Florida but threw on my work out gear. No one cared, after all, we are in New Jersey. No rules when driving, no rules when hot tubbing. We had such a great time laughing and hanging. This weekend is going to ROCK! I love my friends!

I'm in NJ and I brought Tropical Weather with me!

I'm in New Jersey and ready for The New Jersey Expo. I brought tropical weather with me. There is a hurricane brewing in the Atlantic and I hear it will be hitting Saturday or Sunday! If you are in the area, it will be a great weekend to go to a scrapbook show. If you make it to the show, be sure to stop by my booth! FUN, FUN, FUN!

Tina

Hello from The Windy City

Chicago is da bomb! I am having so much fun. Our expo was fantastic and sightseeing was great. Right now I am currently staying at my in-laws house, in Michigan. At this moment, I am at the Internet cafe, as The Sutton's don't have Internet. In fact, they don't even have a computer!!! I thought I would post a few photos of what I have been doing the last few days.

Off to New Jersey tomorrow!

Tina

Beautiful Card from Downline and Friend... Donna Proshiwitz!

Donna sent me this card a few weeks back and this is the first chance I have had to post it. Isn't it beautiful? She used the Bella papers. I just love it and had to share it. Thank you Donna... your work is amazing!

Creative hugs,

Tina

Happy Anniversary TO ME!

I am celebrating 14 years with CTMH this month! WOOHOO- what a ride. Who would have ever known that this "little" hobby has turned into all that is has! I joined this company and have never looked back! CTMH has brought so much happiness and joy to my life. What a glourious 14 years it has been! I pinch myself every day and think to myself... I get paid for HAVING FUN! How lucky am I?

I received this beautiful card from the Corporate Office! How cool is that? What company does that???? CTMH DOES! Here is to a BIG thank you to Jeanette Lynton and Close To My Heart! I'm looking forward to the next 14 years!

With a happy heart,

Tina

Thank You Brenda Rose

More Happy Mail! I got a BRENDA ROSE CREATION. I am so excited. (actually, I got it right before I left, but I knew I would not be able to post artwork while I was gone, so I have my auto-post set to post while I am in the Windy City) This card is beautiful. For those of you who do not know Brenda, she is an awesome artist. You can check out her artwork at: http://roseblossomlegacies.blogspot.com. Brenda, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! This card is exquisite.

Tina

The Joys of Flying

I am flying to Chicago as I type. I love Wi Fi in the sky.

I was scheduled to leave Pensacola at 5:05 but I was worried about my connection, as the 5:05 flight was delayed a half hour. I only had a half hour layover. I am meeting Kent in Atlanta and I want to be able to fly with him. I was able to change my ticket, and jump on a flight leaving at 4 P.M. My lucky day. Not quite... there was a mechanical problem with the tire. The 4:00 flight just got rescheduled for 6:00 p.m.

I jump off that flight, and go back and try to get on my original 5:05 flight. And guess what, it worked. I am know flying on my original flight. We took off at 5:30 but my flight out of Atlanta to Chicago has been delayed 48 minutes. WHEW... it looks like I might actually make it. Wish me luck and stay tuned.

Flying high and frazzled,

Tina

Another Bear Sighting!

Well, the excitement has started before I have even left town. I was called by Nancy and Faith at o dark thirty this morning. Our neighborhood bear was hanging out on Nancy's pier. Then he decided to take a swim! FUN! Randy took this photo. Can you believe it???? Just when we thought it was safe to go outside again. LOL! Gotta love Florida!

Enjoy Mr. Bear,

Tina

Windy City Here I Come!

I leave today for Chicago! WOOOHOOO! I am so excited. The windy city is one my favorite places to visit and work. By day, I will be at Scrapbook Expo. By night, I will be hitting the Chicago Pizza Parlors. Can't wait to get some of that Deep Dish Pizza! YUM!

If you are in the Chicago area, come by the Close To My Heart Booth to see me. (details at www.scrapbookexpo.com) My booth will be rocking with some free demonstrations and minimal charge- 2 page layouts. FUN, FUN, FUN!

I will be back in the office September 1st. Until then, Keep Creating!

Jet bound and excited ...

Tina

Happy Mail

Last week, my socks were knocked off by Jennifer Bohnart and Cherie Lynn Hagan! They are two of my very dear friends and awesome downline. I received Happy Mail from both of them. I was sent this beautiful (pink of course) Vera Bradley Tote and "TO DO" pad along with a beautifully hand stamped card. They were thanking me for organizing Chocolate University- a tream training event that our team did at Leadership 2009! I had a meltdown after I received it. I think I cried for about 30 minutes. Heck, I had my assistant, Debbie, in tears. It is so wonderful to know that you are appreciated, especially when it is from two people that you admire as much as I admire these two very special ladies. Cherie Lynn and Jennifer- thank you so much. Your gift was perfect and means more to me than you will ever know.

As you both say... Here is to wishing upon a start and having a Fairy Godmother push you along! Love you guys! XXXOOO

T

Jennifer and Tina

Cherie Lynn and Tina

One of Those Days!

I woke up this morning to a tropical storm!

Something was in the air, I could not wear my contacts for the life of me. That is bad because I had a lot of paperwork and creating to do today!

Out came the old glasses! Oh happy day... I can't see out of my glasses. In fact I had to put reading glasses on top of my glasses to read close up!

I was committed to going to Jazzercise this morning.

That was impossible because I locked my Keys in the Jeep!

A AA came and unlocked my keys in the middle of the tropical storm.

I managed to make the 5:50 P.M. Jazzercise class and my luck changed.
Jazzercise was having a summer party and I won a shirt. Yippee Skippee! I am so excited.

Tomorrow is going to be a great day!

Birthday Reminder

I am running like a wild woman today. But, I wanted to get at least one post in. I made this project last week. It is a Birthday Reminder Roledex. Enjoy!

Tina

Crop Project has finally arrived and there is MAGIC all around!

This book is embellished with a few "extras." The extra's include: Snowflake Dimensional Element, Sprarkles, and Circle Window Charms. These items will be available for purchase at the store during the crop !

As most of you know, I have our two day local crop scheduled for September 18th and 19th. I am so excited for this crop! It is my 14th year anniversary with Close To My Heart and I have scheduled a Birthday Crop. (Yes, there are still a few openings, we have not sold out yet!). As part of the registration fee, croppers will receive a FREE product packet and free class instruction to make an holiday album. We will be making a My Creations Binder using our Jingle Paper. This magical holiday album is perfect for holiday memories. (think cookie exchanges, Christmas Memories, Holiday Card Album, or in my example- New Year's Eve Parties) This book is fun to make and guaranteed to make you smile.

A sample of a few of my inside pages:


I still have a few things that I want to do to some of the pages to bling them up. I am waiting on an order from CTMH and since I leave for two weeks on Wednesday, I decided to go ahead an post what is finished before I leave!

These photos were taken on New Year's Even 2004! I had just moved back to Florida and went to my childhood next door neighbors, New Year's Eve Party! It was a 30 year tradition. Growing up, we always went over the fence, next door and celebrated New Years with our neighbors The Casler's. So, when I moved back to Florida, Kent and I crashed there party. Since this fun party, Mr. and Mrs. Casler have passed away, so these pictures are even more precious to me now! I plan on making three of these albums- one for Debbie- the daughter of The Casler's, My Mama, and of course myself.

Enjoy the photos and hope to see you at the crop!

Tina

EEEK!

EEEK! I love this new stamp set. I have had more fun playing with it. The creatures are just plain silly and so fun to color. This is just a quick card that I threw together. Thought you might enjoy it. That is how I feel about my studio right now. It looks like a hurricane has already hit.

Tina

Home Sweet Home Workshop- September 25th

I love this new paper packet called "Home Sweet Home"! Join me for a workshop on Friday, September 25th at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church. The cost is $25.00 and you will make all 6 layouts in just one evening. Your workshop packet includes- Home Sweet Home Level 1 Paper Packet, Home Sweet Home Stickease, and a package of mini melodies! Email or call me to sign up!

So Excited!

I was so excited to receive a photo today, that the corporate office took of Jeanette and I at Leadership! It is a perk for getting a national award at our Leadership Award Banquet. If you are an award winner then you get a personalized photo with Jeanette. Cool huh? The national awards that I received this year were:

#1 CTMH Website Sales
#3 Unit Sales for team over 1000
#4 in Recruiting
#4 in Sales
Centennial Club- 100 Events in one year

I am so proud and so honored to work for such an awesome company.

Now are you ready for the silly story that goes with this photo??? Look carefully at the award. Who's name is on it???? (you may have to double click on the photo to enlarge it). The name reads, Kay Pekin... and I am holding it. Here is the story behind the photo...

Every time I earned an award, I was instructed to go sit back down at the table. The reason, I was getting another award and I needed to be available to receive it. So I would go on stage, get my award, sit down, put my award next to my chair and then go back when they called my name. The last award I received was "#3 in Unit Sales for teams over 1000 team members". When it was finally time for my photo, I had a "smaller" award than my number 1 award. The number 1 award, which was larger was next to my chair at my table. My upline- Kay Pekin- got the number 1 award in unit sales for a team from 500-1000. When I got to Jeanette, Kay had just finished her photo. Me, being silly Tina, didn't want to hold a "smaller" award in my photo, so I "borrowed" Kay's award. Little did I know that you could "READ" the writing on the award in the picture!!! (I'm turning 3 shades of red as I type) So... there you go.... That's the story of Tina holding Kay's award on photo night. That will teach me. I just gotta laugh so I don't cry!

Squash Book with Photos!

I just finished adding photos to the squash book so here is the final result! The girls loved them and I think they turned out very cute. The photos really make the book fun! They will have a great keepsake from the party! Now, I am off to work! Why do I feel that I've already worked a full day?

Tina

I love Birthday Parties!

I had a blast at Faith's Birthday party last night. The girls played dress up, ate pizza, opened presents, had birthday cake, made a squash book and watched a movie. Whew... I was worn out when it was over. I had a blast teaching the girls how to make a squash book. We took lots of photos that we printed last tonight. This morning the girls will have to add photos to finish the books. I will post a finished photo later!

Tina

It's Your Day- Faith's Birthday Card

Faith is six today! She requested that I "MAKE" her card in pink, green and purple. Little did she know, that Close To My Heart makes the perfect inks for her requested color combination. I used Bubblegum, Lilac Mist and Sweet Leaf to make her card. I also used the Stamp Of the Month for August- It's Your Day! It's becoming one of my favorite stamp sets. I am off to her party. I hope she likes her card!

Tina

Sneek Peek into the Fall Catalog and My Events!

This post is for a good friend and customer Debra Kaye. She threatened to come and "lift" a new catalog if I didn't tell her what was coming. We compromised on a Sneak Peek. Are you ready? Do you want to see a new and fabulous paper packet??? Ok, here goes... Introducing Twiterpated....


Aren't the papers beautiful? I just LOVE them!!!! Would you like to see more??? Then come to my house on September 2nd to find out everything that is going on in the wonderful world of Close To My Heart. At this fun event we will say farewell to Summer and HELLO FALL! I will be showing you all of our new products, new artwork and you will even get to make a 2 page fall layout and card FOR FREE! WOOOHOOO! Please RSVP to Tina by August 31st. Bring a friend that is new to CTMH and you both will get a free gift!

Can't make September 2nd? Then join me for a Scrap and Chat workshop. I'm taking reservations for the Twiterpated workshop on October 7th and 8th. Not sure what Scrap and Chat is all about? Watch the slideshow below and email me for more details! Hope to see you in class soon!

Mama's Party

I'm just sharing photos of Mama's birthday party! It was a surprise party and she loved it! I am so grateful to have had this amazing woman in my life for 47 years. I love you Mama!

Can I help you?

Just captured this photo of Daisy helping Kent. Kent is putting together a new pot for the shrimp boil and Daisy has to be in the middle of it. So cute!

Another Blog Award

Do you know why I love my blog? Those of us that blog regularly become very close - it's a sisterhood of sorts. And wow, is it ever a huge compliment to receive a Blog Award! This one came to me today from Brenda. The Idyllhours blog award is the BFF award - Blogger Favorite Friend. Isn't this the nicest thing? Thank you so much, Dawn!!

The rules of this award are:

• accept the award by commenting on the blog of the person that gave it to you
• pass it on to five others
• reveal five things you enjoy doing

So here goes! I am sending the Idyllhours BFF award to Barb, Melanie, Jennifer, Sue and Cathy!

5 Thing I Enjoy Doing:

• Spending time with Kent, my dogs, my family and friends.
  
• Scrapbooking with CTMH prodcuts. (www.missgingerdots.myctmh.com)
  
• Traveling- this year I am going to Paris, New Zealand, Minneapolis and perhaps the Caribbean!
  
• Visiting Seaside Florida! One of my happy places!
  
• Riding my wave runner!
  

Thanks again Brenda... you are the best!

Spa Day gone to the dogs

Dixie and Daisy had a spa day today. They are so pretty that I had to post some photos. Bath today, beach tomorrow. At least they will smell good for one day. Love the expression of Daisy in the second photo. That's my girl... she's a mess!

Tina

Card to Share

I love this card that was given to me from Tiffany at the corporate office. It is a simple, yet striking card that just makes you smile. I plan on stamplifting it. Close To My Heart makes products that are perfect for making beautiful cards. Thanks Tiffany, for bringing a smile to my face! Love this card!

Tina

Scrapbook Club ... so much fun!

I used these pages to scrapbook
photos from our animal encounter boat trip!

The moon doggie workshop was so much fun! Just had to share some photos from my stamp studio. If you missed scrapbooking tonight, I have a card workshop in Pensacola next week. JOIN US FOR FUN!!!!!Artists at work! I love my customers!Busy Hands, Happy Hearts!

Happy Birthday Mama!

On August 3rd, Mama turned 86 years old! I can't believe it. It makes me happy and sad all at the same time. I was traveling home from Long Beach on August 3rd, so when I got home, Kent and I took her out to dinner. But, turning 86 is special, so this weekend I am throwing her a "Surprise" Birthday Party! In preparation for the party, I made this card using the August Stamp Of the Month- "It's Your Day!" This stamp set is a MUST HAVE. Love it, Love it, Love it! Mama's favorite color is purple so I pulled the paper packet "Bella" to complete the card. I was happy with the way it turned out- however, I think the glitter and prisma is calling!!!

Not the best photo of Mama, but it was taken on her birthday! I only had my iphone available and the lighting was awful. But... had to share it anyway! Happy Birthday Mama!
(She doesn't read my blog, unless she is at my house, so it is safe to post plans of her birthday party. She can read all about it on Saturday!)

Leadership News 2009

Hello Blogging Friends! I am home from the amazing 2009 Leadership Conference. I am so excited to share my Close To My Heart News with you! There is so much news I don't know where or how to start so I will break it down- Step by Step!


New Idea Book- IT IS BEAUTIFUL! It has a new format that has larger photos of artwork and stamp sets making it easier than ever to see details. Our new papers and stamps are beautiful. The idea book goes LIVE on September 1st. I am having an NEW CATALOG PARTY on September 2nd. If you are local, please make plans to attend. Details at www.missgingerdots.myctmh.com!


Studio J- You think you like Digital Scrapbooking? Wait until you hear about STUDIO SCRAPBOOKING! Close To My Heart has released a new way of scrapbooking online and it will be like no other! It is scheduled to be released in the first quarter of 2110. In the mean time visit www.studioj.com! Bring out the tissues!


Chocolate University- I organized a training day for my team that attended Leadership. We called it Chocolate University. FUN, FUN, FUN! I have such a great team of leaders and consultants that are so willing to share. It truly is a sisterhood. We made beautiful My Creation Albums using Level 1 Paper Packets! Don't I have a great looking team? I am so proud of them and we are looking for fun new people to join us! Email me for details!


Operation Smile Artwork- As many of you know, our company supports Operation Smile. At leadership, they had a silent auction, with all proceeds going to Operation Smile. (www.operationsmile.org) I was honored to be asked to create some artwork to be auctioned off! I created an acrylix album in the shape of a little girl's dress. It auctioned for over $100. I am so happy and honored to be able to contribute to this charity! I will post photos of the inside of this project at a later time!

Jeanette Lynton, Pam Miner, Me, Chris Szczechowski and Casey Spinks (in pink) at Disney!

Director's Night at Disneyland- The directors of Close To My Heart were honored with an evening at Disney. We all got a fast pass to go on a ride of our choice- Terror of Tower, California Screamin' or Soarin' Over California (aka- the grandma ride) I chose the Grandma ride and I still had white knuckles. But, boy was it a fun ride. I am so thankful to work for such a generous company that rewards performance. Thank you Jeanette!

Ribbons and Awards- I love ribbons. That was my WHY- when I started building my business. My first convetnion, I only had a nametag- no ribbons. Each year I strive for more ribbons. I had to post a photo of my ribbons that I received at Leadership. I knew my team would get a kick out this photo as I always share the ribbon story. Aren't they pretty?


Awards Night at Leadership- Another evening that I love at leadership is Awards Night. This is the night that the top performers in the company are honored! I was so proud of my team and myself! (yes, I will admit it- I love awards too!) Congratulations to the following Scattered Hearts Team Members, they are SENSATIONAL-

Linda Haapala- RISING STAR! (WOOOHOOOO)- She earned a THOUSAND dollars! WOWSA!
Kelly Munger- TOP PERSONAL SALES- NEW CONSULTANT! Please post!
Top Unit Sales- Our team was Number 3 in the company!!!!
Recruiting- We ROCKED this catagory-
#10- Shannon Buck, Doresa Lambrecht
# 6 - Casey Spinks
#4- Lisa Mosely and myself!

My Personal Awards-
* Centennial Club- 100 gatherings this convention year
* Number 1 MyCTMH Sales
* Number 4 Personal Sales
* Number 4 in Recruiting
* Number 3 in Team Unit Sales


Scattered Hearts VIP day- Segway Adventure- My 2009 team supestars spent the day after leadership exploring Long Beach. We did it via a Segway Tour. Did I say FUN! We had such an amazing experience, hanging out together and enjoying each others company! What else can I say... Congratulations to Doresa, Jo, Jillene, Casey and Chris who all earned this amazing afternoon. I love you guys!

Front Row- Tina Sutton, Jennifer Bohnart, Cherie Lynn Hagan
Back Row- Cindy Cromwell, Kelly Rizzon, Chris Szczechowski, Elizabeth Chu, Rachel Holiday and Barb Carrico

Friendships that are made through CTMH- The thing I love most about Close To My Heart are the friendships. I have met the most AMAZING people in this business. I have one last photo to share and this is just a picture of a few of my friends andt team members with the new idea book. I love these ladies more than I can ever put into words. Thank you for making this company the best the company around! Until next year....