New Year--New Opportunities

WOW!  It's been awhile since I last blogged.  Life just caught up to me and overran me and I just couldn't (or didn't) find the time to blog. 

Hoping your Christmas and New Year's celebrations were as family oriented and  fun-filled as mine!  I was able to see all my children over the holidays and any mom will tell you, there is no greater gift than to be able to spend time with your adult children. :)

I am not sure the direction my life will be taking over the next few months.  I am at a fork in the road in my life (otherwise known as mid-life crisis) and I need to make some big decisions.......

First of all, because my heart really wasn't in the selling of the Close to my Heart products I represent, I thought about quiting.  I was actually down to the last two days of being a consultant, when I saw the new catalog and decided I would give it another go. For some women, this is their livelihood, their business, their income and they work it that way.  For others it is just to get the pretty little extras at a discounted price.  I haven't really figured out what it is for me.  I LOVE the product, I LOVE to papercraft, but I HATE to sell. I felt like the love of crafting was being overridden by the stress to sell X-amount of dollars of product, by a certain deadline, to stay in the business.  I feel like I am pestering my friends and forcing them to buy my product, just so I will leave them alone.  I don't want to be like that, so I just sat and waited for customers to come to me----didn't happen.  So, I need to figure out an angle where I can continue to LOVE papercrafting,  while selling beautiful papercrafting products.  If you have any ideas, please let me know.  I am open to all resonable suggestions! :)

Secondly, with finances being as tight as they are for our family, I am considering a job out in the "real world".   Jobs are scarce, and my experience is limited, and my confidence is on the low side, so this has been a difficult issue to tackle.  I'm sure some of you understand that.  :)

However, I figured with the new year, there can be changes.  New doors to open (or close), new friends to make, new activities to learn, new risks to take................I'll keep you posted on how that all goes.  I do have a couple ideas up my sleeve.  Right now, I am just taking inventory of my strengths and weaknesses, wants and wishes, talents and well, lack of talents, then I will make my decision and move on. I must move on.  I have stood still for far too long and become stagnant.

In the meantime,  I will continue to sell Close to my Heart products.  You will LOVE all the new papers, embellishmanets, fabric and more that is crammed into the 2013 Spring/Summer catalog.  Customers can begin purchasing product on February 1st. Here's a sneak peak of something from the new catalog!

Right now we are offering a very nice constant campaign product for Valentines. (spend $35, get the kit for $10----it's valued at $40!!!) Pretty good deal and darling kit!

 
Also, be sure to check out our January Stamp of the month. It is gorgeous! As usual, spend $50 and get it for $5, or purchase it for $17.95!

 

 

 

Check my link www.judifarrell.ctmh.com often in the next few weeks and click on the "while supplies last" button. Soon, there will be some AMAZING deals on the current 2012 Fall/Winter items. ;) Just make SURE to click on the JOIN button near the bottom right hand of the screen before you begin to look around and order!! 

Well, here's to a GREAT new year ahead!  And here's to good changes for us all!! 

Now, go craft!  ;)

Hello my friends!

I have a SUPER offer for you! Be the FIRST person to order $50 of product (not including shipping and tax) from my website---judifarrell.ctmh.com (you HAVE to hit the JOIN button!) by noon on  October 31st and follow my blog and I will send you a brand new DOUBLE stamp set! That's two D-sized stamp sets (see photo below) for free!!

 So, here's a sample of what you could get......order $50 or more in your choice of product, purchase the stamp of the month for only $5 AND be the first person to do it and you will receive the double stamp set shown above for free!!  We are talking a $35 value for free!!!  That's $90 worth of product for $55! (not including shipping and tax) WOOHOO!

You only have a few days left to purchase the BEAUTIFUL Christmas stamp of the month!  It has a very cute tag stamp, mitten, ornament, phrases, and more!!  I LOVE it!   As usual, spend $50 (excluding shipping and tax) and the set of stamps is yours for only $5.00!!!  That's a $17.95 value for only 5 bucks!  SWEET!  The stamp set has 5 stamps that coordinate with our Artiste Cricut cartridge. Imagine all the fun stuff you can make for Christmas! (and we crafters know, it's never too soon to start on christmas!)

You should check out our Cricut Artiste package as well.  UNBELIEVABLE value!  Over 700 images on the cartridge, 3 D-sized stamp sets, and 3 sheets of dimensional elements with coordinating shapes!  All for $99!!!!!  A $125 value for $99!  I can promise you that you will LOVE it!! 

Check out the WHOLE catalog @ judifarrell.ctmh.com    There is TOO much to mention here..........
Now would be a good time to make a wish list and give it to your significant other and have them get all your Christmas shopping done right on my site with a few clicks of a button!! 

Don't forget to click on the JOIN button on my site judifarrell.ctmh.com BEFORE you begin ordering and be the first to order $50 worth of product  AND follow my blog and I will send you a brand new size-D stamp set!!  

Happy shopping everyone!!! :)  judifarrell.ctmh.com

Close To My Heart Specials!

Hello everyone!

I know it has been a long time since I last posted.  I have been busy moving around my craft room, son's room and enjoying the beautiful summer we have been having. :) 

I just wanted to do a quick post today to let you know the GREAT special CTMH is having this month in honor of:
 

National Stamping Month
September 2012 Constant Campaign

To celebrate National Stamping Month in September, we are bringing back our popular double stamp set promotion! You can get the exclusive, new My Acrylix^® It’s Your Day double stamp set for just $5 when you place a minimum order of $35 in full retail products from August 15 through September 30, 2012. You’ll love this double set—two D-size sets in one envelope—which includes nearly 50 trendy images that makes it easy to capture the everyday moments in your life. The double set has a retail value of $35.90, which drastically increases the value of your qualifying purchase! Have twice the fun stamping during National Stamping Month with our new, exclusive It’s Your Day double stamp set!

Dates: Offer valid August 15 (9:00 am MDT) – September 30, 2012 (11:59 pm MDT)

 

This is an AWESOME set of stamps you are going to want to get your hands on!! 

 

 

 

As if that isn't enough..........CTMH as always has their Stamp of the Month available too!  It is perfect for all the upcoming fall photos we will all have. 

 

Just head to my website:  www.judifarrell.ctmh.com  and get a close up view of the September Stamp of the Month stamps.   Also be sure to check out all the fun Halloween paper, stamps and embellishments that are available. 

 

Have fun shopping!!  Make sure to click on my JOIN button at the bottom of the website, before you order. :)

2012 Autumn/Winter Close To My Heart catalog

This is an exciting day!  The new and anxiously awaited for 2012 Close To My Heart catalog is now available online!! 

This new catalog is FILLED with TONS of new stuff!!

The newest Cricut cartridge called Artiste is absolutely amaaaaazing!!  The kit includes:

Cricut^® Artiste Collection (Z1790)
$99 (retail value of nearly $125)
1 – Cartridge (700 images: themed projects, cards, font, shapes, 3-D items)
3 – My Acrylix^® D-size Stamp Sets*
3 – 12" × 9" Dimensional Elements in coordinating shapes

If you think about it, the cartridge with its 700 images is really more like having 2 1/2 regular cartridges!  Imagine what that would cost you at around $59.99 per cartridge and up that we pay at the craft stores.  That savings alone is worth buying the kit.

 But wait, there's more!!  How DID they do it?
 
You also receive not one, not two, but 3 D-sized stamp sets!  Yep!  That's right!  3 D-sized coordinating stamp sets!!  That's a value of  $53.85!  Then, there are the 3 coordinating Dimensional Elements chipboard shapes.  They run around $6.95 per sheet---and you get 3!  That's an almost $21  value! 

So let's add it up------$125 value cartridge
                                   $53 value stamps
                                   $21 value chipboard
                                 ___________________
                                   $199 total

YOU can get it ALL for only $99!!!!!  NOW I CALL THAT SAVINGS!!!  Just an AMAAAAZING value!!!!

There are also 8 new paper lines!  They are beautiful!  Some vintage, some modern, something for men, kids, some muted colors and some bright colors.  The list goes on and on! 

We have some new ink colors and cardstock colors, a new Studio J deal, new embellishments and more and more and more!!  And, OF COURSE, new and SUPER cute stamp sets!!!  YOU HAVE TO JUST TAKE A LOOK!!!!!

Another NEW and FANTASTIC DEAL is the cost of becoming a consultant.  You can now become a consultant for $49!!!!  YEP!  $49 and you can be selling CTMH products and earning free stuff for yourself!!  Also, while supplies last, you will receive the cutest tote bag I have ever seen when you sign up!  :)  So, why not sign up???  Contact me if you want to.  I'll be happy to help you get started. :)

Just go over and take a look at the new online catalog and order some FUN and WONDERFUL stuff!!!!!  (DON"T FORGT TO HIT THE JOIN BUTTON NEXT TO JUDI"S PARTY!!----that way I get credit for sending you!)  :)

Here's the link:   http://www.judifarrell.ctmh.com/

HAVE FUN SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!

Close To My Heart---STAMPAGANZA!!

It's finally here!  The long awaited STAMPAGANZA!  The whole month of June, Close To My Heart is offering an AMAZING deal.  Buy ANY two stamp sets (size A-E) and get a third stamp set of equal or lesser value FREE!!  YUP!  FREE!  (This deal does not include Stamp of the Month stamps, custom stamps or the workshop stamp sets.) 

Here is a link to my Close To My Heart site.  Just click on the JOIN button at the bottom right side of the site  (listed as JOIN Mary's party) and start shopping!!  Depending on which stamp sets you buy, there is a potential savings of over $29!!  That's ALOT! 

Now is the time to pick up some of the stamps that coordinate with CTMH's Art Philosophy Cartridge!  These are great stamps that fit exactly onto the coordinating cut image.  If you don't have the Art Philoophy for your Cricut machine, you are missing out!  I have about 50 Cricut cartridges and I almost ALWAYS use my Art Philosophy cartridge.  It has over 700 images on it!!  Amazing!!  You can check that out on the website as well.  It is a magnificent value!! 

Well, what are you waiting for?  Start shopping!  :)  judifarrell.ctmh.com

Ohhhhhh!  It's coming, it's coming!!  Only a couple days left until STAMPAGANZA!!!

That's right!  Close To My Heart will be celebrating STAMPAGANZA  beginning June 1st. 

What is STAMPAGANZA you may ask? 

Well, order two of any size stamp set from CTMH and get one of equal or lesser value FREE!!!  Yup, that's right!  ANY TWO STAMP SETS ( some exclusions apply*) and get one FREE!!!

Head on over to my website   www.judifarrell.ctmh.com  and start ordering on June 1st!  Now is the time to get ALL the stamps you have been wanting.  Stock up and save!!  :) 


*does not include the custom stamps or stamp of the month stamps

Tribute to Ginger

April 30, 2012 was not a good day for the Farrell family.  Sadly, we had to have our beloved pet Ginger put to sleep.  She was a precious, fiesty, loving companion.  She was my shadow.  Ginger was a protector and friend. 

Before my diagnosis with breast cancer, Ginger would jump up wherever I was laying and sprawl across my chest---something she had never done before and never done since---and lay there.  I would push her down, and she would come right back up.  It was as though she knew I was sick and knew where the sickness was.  Weeks later, I would be diagnosed with breast cancer and she NEVER left my bedside. 

I was bed ridden for quite some time, and Ginger stayed on the bed with me (or the couch) through the whole day.  When anyone got close to me, she would snarl and growl at them.  If I moved, she would perk up, look at me or come up to my face and sniff or nuzzle me, than go and lay down again next to me.  The family had a life to continue living and while I was alone in the room, she was there, right by my side.  I told her my fears of dying and leaving the family all alone.  I told her my concerns about the financial difficulty we would be in due to my illness.  I told her everything........and she listened.  As I got better, she would go for walks with me----and not pull on her leash as she always did.  It was as if she knew I wasn't strong enough to hold her back, so she just didn't pull.  She meant the world to me.

Ginger was the kids best friend.  They waited so long for a dog and for mom to convince dad that we needed a dog.  When dad came home from work one day(he worked out of town during the week and came home on the weekends), he carried with him our precious new pup.  She was approximately one year old at the time, and he had adopted her from the pound.  What a joy-filled day it was!!!  She loved all the attention from the kids, but from day one, she attached herself to me.  The kids were kinda jealous, but somehow she and I connected.  Maybe she sensed the similarities in our personality.  We were both stubborn, dominate females.  :)  

She knew we saved her from death and loved us for it.  She was spoiled rotten from day one.  We couldn't help it. :)  Ginger made the kids feel safe at night when dad was gone.  She made them feel happy and loved when she greeted them with kisses and much tail wagging when they would come home from school.  Bad days just melted away when Ginger loved on you.  She was a confidant to us all.  I am sure Ginger went to her doggy heaven knowing many secrets.  She was a sense of security on so many levels. 

Ginger also had a bit of a mean streak.  She HATED squirrels!  She tried to own the neighborhood by letting all the other dogs know that she was the Alpha female in the hood.  She barked at every person who came to our door---snarled at a few too!  She detested being told that it was time to go to bed.  Especially when Brianna told her that.  She would growl, snarl, bark and snap when Brianna would mention it.  She didn't like males in hats.  She didn't like little kids and she hated other dogs, but she LOVED all of us!  Unconditionally.  :)

She was an incrediby smart dog too!  She wowed many people with all of her tricks!  Shake, sit pretty, bang--dead dog and many more.  She would do just about anything for people food.  She would be in the livingroom or bedroom while someone was in the kitchen and she would hear the tiniest piece of something fall on the floor and come charging out into the kitchen to retrieve it for herself.  (It did save cleaning the kitchen floor so often.) :)

Many funny memories with her too.  Like the time she peed on Brians pillow because he came home late and scared her.  It was dark and he didn't see it and well, laid down.  Needless to say, he was up and out of the bed VERY quickly!  Or the time she came charging down the hall and into the livingroom, misjudging the height of the coffee table as she ran under it----or I should say, ran right into it.  She sat there dazed a few seconds, shook it off and charged on. :)  Then there was the time, actually the first night we had her, when, during the middle of the night she jumped up on Easton's bed and got her face right in his.  He woke up and being as he was only 3 years old, forgot we had a puppy and started screaming bloody murder.  We jumped out of bed, invisioning the dog mauling Easton, but there she was hiding under his bed, with a pile of--well you know--on the floor next to the bed.  Guess Easton's scream scared the p_ _ p out of her.  :) 

She loved to torment Brian.  I would be sitting in the breezeway near the back door, and she would go in the livingroom or bedroom and pester him to let her out---eventhough I was sitting right there.  It was SO funny. 

Ginger will be sorely missed in our household.  She was the best dog our family could have had.  Thanks Ginger for all the great memories, for your loyalty and for your unconditional love to us all.

CLOSE TO MY HEART!

I recently became a Close To My Heart consultant.   I thought I would take a chance and try my hand at business.  It has been slow getting going, but I hope to improve as time goes on. 

If you are not familar with Close To My Heart, head over to my website judifarrell.ctmh.com and take a cruise through the catalog.  Close To My Heart has paper, stamps, tools, and more for all your papercrafting needs.  Their glue is AWESOME!  Their papers are quality weight as well as beautiful and their stamps and inks are gorgeous!  I will be posting in the near future some projects using CTMH products.  I would be honored if you would choose me as your consultant.  

Currently, CTMH is running a special---  Spend $35 or more and get 24 sheets of Dotty for You paper for $5.  WHAT A DEAL!!  This is double sided paper. Tons of uses for it!  Or, spend $400 or become a consultant and get it for free! :)  Free is ALWAYS good! :)

I will be headed to a local crop this weekend.  I am going to be doing my first make and take.  Wish me luck.  That's all for now.  Have a great day and..............


                                              GO CRAFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!