Friday, July 31, 2009

CTMH Leadership Conference Is Going On Now!!

I sooooooooo wish I was at the CTMH Leadership Conference in California right now!! They've gotten to see a TON of new products that CTMH is offering. Here's a few of the new things that will be in the NEW Autumn/Winter 2009 Idea Book...which by the way just shipped and is due to deliver to my doorstep next Thursday - 8/6/09. Let me know if you are interested in one!!

Here Are Some of the New CTMH Products:
"Snapease" Albums
Glitter Rub-ons
Glitter Brads
Mini Album
Rolling Tote
Shoulder Tote
Circle Dimensional Elements
New Heartfelt Diecuts
New brad packaging with all 3 sizes in 4 different colors
New basic button assortments with 4 colors
New Eyelet Setter
My Originals Card Kit Holiday Set
and the most adorable paper packs and stamp sets out there.

And guess what!!??!! Now Close To My Heart is offering the best of BOTH worlds with the newest addition of Digital Scrapbooking Software called Studio J. There is a little blurb about it in the new Idea Book, but it will be released for sale in the Spring 2010 Idea Book. Get ready because I have heard it's awesome. I'm a total hands on paper crafter and will always be, but I'm super excited to be able to offer both to my customers. Now everyone - paper crafters & digi users alike - can capture their memories faster, simpler, easier using CTMH's awesome products!!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

FREE CTMH Stamps & Paper in August!!

AUGUST'S THANKS-A-BRATION!!

Do you love paper as much as I do?!?! And who can resist FREE paper?!?!?!

This August 3-17, when you place an order of $100,
you get the August Stamp of the Month, "It's Your Day" stamp set for FREE,
AND we'll throw in a My Reflections® Level 2 paper packet as well
(a total retail value of $35.90)!

Below is the list of FREE paper packets that you may receive as a thank you for this campaign.
You will not be able to select the paper packets,
but all will be popular, currently-available packets.

My Reflections® Vintage Travel Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Rough ‘n Tumble Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Route 66 Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Expedition Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Floral Tapestry Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Everlasting Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Caprice Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Enchanted Level 2 Paper Packet

My Reflections® Free Spirit Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Life Delights Level 2 Paper Packet

My Reflections® Whoops-a-Daisy Level 2 Paper Packet
My Reflections® Perfect Day Level 2 Paper Packet

How can this be even better?
We'll also cover the tax and shipping/handling on the FREE products!

Don't forget, Thanks-A-Bration starts August 3rd and only lasts until August 17!!

Click HERE to begin shopping!!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Book A CTMH Home Gathering In August!!

Do you want to earn a TON of FREE product,
learn about Close To My Heart and all they have to offer,
have a great time chatting with the girls,
and make a fun project??

Of course you do!!

Contact me today to set up a Home Gathering Party for the month of August...
either at your house or mine.
I am available week nights or weekends...you choose!!

What's that?? You live 5 states away...NO PROBLEM!!
You can have a 'book' party and still earn all the same things as a hostess here in Madison, WI!!

When you book a party in the month of August you will receive a D-Size Stamp Set worth $23 from me...that's in addition to all the great stuff you are going to earn from your party.

So what are you waiting for...contact me today!!

kirwankm@hotmail.com
(608) 320-9801

Hostess Rewards Plus!

These Hostess Collections are exclusively available to hostesses with qualifying Home Gathering totals only through August 31, 2009. Save big on the season's hottest items.

Here are the available Hostess Collections that you could earn:

Hostess Collection 1 - Z9073
After 50% Hostess Discount: $25.00
(Retail Value: up to $50.00)
You get to pick! Create your own collection by choosing from hundreds of products. Save 50% off your first $50 in items purchased. If the total amount purchased exceeds $50 you will be charged that extra amount in addition to the $25 plus shipping/handling and tax.


Hostess Collection 2 - HB0922
After 50% Hostess Discount: $50.75
(Retail Value: $101.50)
Includes Distressing Kit (Z1299), Finishing Files (Z1091), Summer Celebration Textured Cardstock Combo Pack (X5745), Sassy Strands Summer Celebration (Z468),
12" x 12" Paper Organizer (Z234), Clear Craft Buttons (Z1155),
My Acrylix Framed Moments Stamp Set (W192)


Hostess Collection 3 - HB0923
After 50% Hostess Discount: $64.63
(Retail Value: $129.25)
Includes HeartFelt Whimsy Die-Cuts (Z1145), Fancy Cuts Botanicals (X1405), Dimensional Elements Perennials (Z1139), Fancy Cuts Borders (X1408), Dimensional Elements Borders (Z1156), Just Blooms Big Pinks Paper Flowers (Z1033), Just Blooms White Daisy Variety Pack (Z3100), Sassy Strands White Daisy Collection (Z400), Window Charms Circles (Z819), My Acrylix True Happiness Stamp Set (D1365), My Acrylix Thank You Stamp Set (D1361), 2 - 3" x 3" Kraft Albums with Jute (Z1165), Mini-Medley Accents Shades of Chocolate Collection (Z1037), White Daisy Ricrac Ribbon (Z1133)


Hostess Collection 4 - HB0924
After 50% Hostess Discount: $137.70
(Retail Value: $275.40)
Includes My Acrlyix January Word Puzzle Stamp Set (D1268),
My Acrylix February Word Puzzle Stamp Set (D1269),
My Acrylix March Word Puzzle Stamp Set (D1270),
My Acrylix April Word Puzzle Stamp Set (D1271),
My Acrylix May Word Puzzle Stamp Set (D1287),
My Acrlyix June Word Puzzle Stamp Set (D1288),
My Acrylix July Word Puzzle Stamp Set (D1289),
My Acrylix August Word Puzzle Stamp Set (D1290),
My Acrylix September Word Puzzle Stamp Set (D1310),
My Acrylix October Word Puzzle Stamp Set (D1311),
My Acrylix November Word Puzzle Stamp Set (D1312),
My Acrylix December Word Puzzle Stamp Set (D1313)

Monday, July 27, 2009

Last Week For This Awesome Consultant Package!!

REMINDER!!
This is the last week to sign up as a Close To My Heart Consultant and get this awesome deal!! If you are interested please contact me!!
For more information see my previous post -

Weekend Update - Waunafest Rocked!!

Well this weekend was a lot of fun. We played in the Waunafest Volleyball Tournament in Waunakee, WI on Saturday. I was in the Recretation League which had 6 teams in. We were there for fun and fun we had...hahaha. We ended up taking 4th out of 6...not too bad seeings none of us have played with each other. Sean, however, was in the Intermediate League which had 20 teams in it. He ended up playing in the Championship Game. They played some great teams, but they ended up losing right at the end. They took the first game, but dropped the last two to a group of 'kids' who were at least 10 years younger than them. We aren't the spry, young whipper-snappers we once were ya know!! LOL!! Afterwards we went to our friend Daryl's house and grilled out, played some bean bags, drank, chilled, etc. Then headed on over to the Waunafest Beer Tent to listen to Super Tuesday for a bit. All-in-all it was a great day...minus the sun burn I got. UGH...I look like a lobster/raccoon...hahaha. I am red like a lobster but had sunglasses on making me look like a raccoon. Every single person I have encountered at work today has felt the need to let me know how silly I look...really...ya think so?!?! DOH!!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

CTMH August Workshop On The Go - Back Country

I am doing the Close To My Heart Back Country Workshop On The Go for my August Workshop!! We will be making 3 2-Page Layouts as featured below!! Along with these layouts we will also be making the three cards at the bottom!! These are perfect for those fishing, camping, hiking, 4-wheeling, vacation photos that you have!! If you are interested in creating these great layouts and cards, please leave me a post and we can work something out!!

BACK COUNTRY WORKSHOP ON THE GO!!





Basic Kit - $28.00 plus shipping to you

Included in the Basic Kit:
Back Country Level 2 Paper Packet (X7110B)
Back Country Level 2 My Stickease Assortment (X7110C)
Dimensional Elements In Color Assortment (Z1158)
Outdoor Denim Twill Ribbon
Back Country Workshop Guide

Additional Items for Purchase to Enhance Your Layouts & Cards:
Pewter Brads (Z199) - $4.50
Dry Embossing/Scoring Stylus (Z608) - $3.25
Natural Hemp (Z280) - $2.25
Sponge (Z697) - $1.25
Brown Bag Exclusive Inks Pad (Z2108) - $5.25
New England Ivy Exclusive Inks Pad (Z2135) - $5.25
Imagine How-To Program (9030) - $21.95
Campin' Fever Stamp Set (D1353) - $22.95
Originals How-To Program (9032) - $29.95
Wishes How-To Program (9033) - $29.95
Rustic Alphabet Stamp Set (E1002) - $34.99

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Weekend Update - 7.17.09 thru 7.19.09

This weekend was a very fun, productive and unusual one for the Kirwan's. Sean packed up some camping stuff and the kids and headed up north while I stayed in Madison. WHAT?!?! LOL!! He headed up to Turtle Lake with Nathan and Morgan and dropped them off with Grandma and Papa for the weekend.

Then he headed to Chetek to hang out with some friends on the lake. We did this for a day last year as it was the same weekend as the Turtle Lake Fair, but this year he made a weekend of it as the TL Fair was the previous weekend. I chose to stay in Madison as I had a friend's baby shower on Saturday and a CTMH workshop on Sunday. My goal was to get my scrapbook room put together.

Back on January 31st, we decided to swap the playroom and my scrapbook room around as Nathan would never play up there by himself, and when he would go up there, he would bring all the toys he wanted to play with back downstairs. We ended up either hauling it all back up when he went to bed or had a very messy livingroom for a while. My scrapbook room used to be next to the living room with French Doors...well now it is the playroom...hahaha. It has worked out great as he keeps his toys in there and helps me put the stuff away before bed (usually).

Well I had neglected my scraproom upstairs since then as I just didn't have time with Sean home and the kids. There always seemed to be something else to be doing with them. So they left around noon on Friday so I got to work. I only stopped for bathroom and water breaks and dinner. I put together my Clip It Up. The top tier has my 'bling' and the bottom tier is all of my Thickers and large Prima sheets of bling. I then emptied out the closet that is in there. It had about 4 boxes of books, a bunch of toys from when I was little for Morgan when she gets older, some baby stuff, etc. Then I put all my larger storage units in there. That took a while because some of that stuff was quite heavy, and I had to move a ton of stuff on the floor to get it over to the closet...hahaha. I stopped at 11:00 p.m. as I had a few baby shower prizes to make for Saturday's shower. I went to bed around 12:30.

I wish I could have taken a before picture because you guys would seriously never believe my disaster in there. And there is not one person that could have told me their room was worse because I didn't have any shelves, storage, etc. to put all my stuff on so it was seriously covering almost every inch of the floor as well as the tables in there and the spare bed. Sean had the camera up north so no picture for proof, but I am sure Sean, my sister and friends would agree!!

I also wish I could have gotten a picture of the cute Wisconsin Badger Baby Shower Prize bags that I made. They are decorating their little baby Finn's bedroom in Badger stuff so it was appropriate...hehehe. They asked me to provide the prizes from my CTMH stuff...what a great idea!!

Sean headed out on the lakes of Chetek with our friends in their speed boat for a bit. They got their tents and such set up. I think he said he was in bed by 11:30 that night. The kiddos got to Grandma and Papa's about 4:00ish. They were great car riders on the way up.

On Saturday I got up at 9:00 and headed straight to the room. I took care of my buttons, eyelets, brads, rub-ons, journaling spots, etc. I stopped at 11:30 to go shower, eat breakfast and wrap my gifts. Then I left the house at 12:30 for the baby shower. It was a lot of fun and nice to get out. I got home about 4:00. Shana and Ben came over and brought Toppers with them...yum yum!! We then went back up to my room and got busy. Shana was sweet enough to start wrapping a bunch of my ribbon...I have wwaaaaayy too much!! She also helped me figure out how to store all my flowers...which I again have wwaaaayy too many. I even split a ton of packages with her. I think she went home with 4 quart size ziplock baggies heaping full of flowers!! She left around 9:00, and then I continued to sort flowers and some other things until 1:00 a.m.

Sean hit the lake again...it was quite chilly up there...high 50s to low 60s so no swimming took place. They had rented a pontoon for some more cruising the lakes and drinking which is what we did last year. I was prego with Morgan so no drinking for me and Sean was the 'sober boat driver!" lol!! He again took on the Captain job. They had fun. Came back and grilled out and then did a fire pit. The kids went for walks with Grandma and hung out and played.

On Sunday I decided to take advantage of having the house to myself and slept in until 10:00 a.m. Not exactly sleeping in when you went to bed at 1:00 but it was nice and quiet so quality sleep!! HA HA HA!! I got up and found more buttons and brads to put away...ugh...lol!! I also took care of my Cricut and Sizzix stuff. We have a twin size day bed in there that is back in the nook of the bonus room. It works great there as the closet sticks out just as wide as the bed so no real space is lost. The only thing is that under the day bed is another twin size bed that pulls out. It works great, but I need to leave enough room open in my room to accomodate when that bed is pulled out. I can put stuff that can be easily moved there until someone comes to stay...hehehe. I got the floor almost completely cleaned off as well as the desks. Most of what is left is all paper.

Sean finally got to get in the water in Chetek around 11:45. He did a couple laps of water skiing, and then they packed up to head home. He headed to Turtle Lake and hung out with my family for a bit. Nathan got to go on a 4-wheeler ride with Papa...he absolutley loves doing that, and I think Papa enjoys it too!! They left their house at 4:00 and headed to Grandma Laurie's house for a little visit. Sean called me at 6:00 p.m. and said they just left Turtle Lake and were on their way home. They stopped at Culver's in Eau Claire for some dinner around 7:00ish.

I worked on my room until 7:00 p.m. and then called my neighbor's to see if they wanted to do a Culver's run for some frozen custard. If Sean was going to go I wanted to too, and it sure sounded good!! We walked there which was nice - 2.2 miles and a tasty Heath Bar Concrete Shake with some cheese curds made a delicious dinner!! Then we came home, and I did some more organizing from 9 to about 10:30 when the kiddos came home. We got them to bed, and I put a couple loads of laundry and headed to bed too!!

I would say I am about 3/4 of the way done with what was in my scraproom. I still have the CTMH stuff downstairs to do, but I gotta get some more cubes for storage before I tackle that. Oh yeah...for storage I bought 24 of the Jet Max white cubes from Michaels using 40% and 50% off coupons since February. They are stacked 5 high for 4 columns and then some shelves. There are also another 4 with a couple shelves which then have my printer/scanner, Cricut Expression, Cartridges and Clip It UP on them. I haven't moved any of my Close To My Heart Stuff upstairs yet. I want to get 9 more cubes and 6 more shelves to put along one more wall for all my CTMH stuff. It is turning out just like I pictured it so far so I am totally excited about that!!

It is great to have the family all back in Madison. I can't wait to get in there again and continue to organize. I just can't do it when they are home as Morgan is crawling now and would definitly make a mess...hehehe. When she goes to bed that's when I get quality Nathan time so don't wanna miss out on that. Then by the time he goes to bed I am normally tired so head to bed shortly after that...hehehe. At least it is for the most part presentable...hehehe.

If you read all of this I am very impressed! HA HA HA!!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

CTMH's July Promotion - "Favorite Five"

July Constant Campaign:

Why YOU should join my team as an Independent Close To My Heart Consultant during the month of July:
1. Your start up consultant kit contains $300 worth of products and supplies for only $99!!
2. You can choose one or both of the available Bonus Packs (or neither if you prefer).
  • The Scrapbooking Bonus Kit has $180 worth of scrapbooking products for only $60 (including an album and Reflections Scrapbook Program Book which features over 100 layout designs and cutting guides).
  • The Card Making Bonus Kit has $150 worth of products for only $50 (including Originals Card Confidence Book with dozens of step-by-step instructions for making beautiful cards).
3. Only during July when you join my team, can you also choose five items from the list below. That's a possible $98.75 in extra product at absolutley NO COST to you -- we'll even pay the tax and shipping on these! You can get these items whether or not you choose any of the Bonus Packs.
Choose your "Favorite Five" from this list of products
  • My Acrylix Thank You Stamp Set (retail value $22.95)
  • Magic Moments Scrapbook Kit (retail value $34.95)
  • Basic Textured Cardstock Combo Pack (retail value $14.95)
  • Lifge Delights Memory Showcase Kit (retail value $12.95)
  • My Originals Hello Birdie Card Kit (retail value $12.95)
  • Creative Basics Silhouette Collection (retail value of $8.95)
  • HeartFelt Whimsy Die-Cuts (retail value of $9.95)
  • All-Out Adventure Rub-Ons (retail value of $9.95)
  • Window Charms Squares (retail value of $9.95)

So what does this mean in terms of value? If you take advantage of both Bonus Kits and the Favorite Five free items, you would spend a total of $209 plus tax and shipping, but receive a total of $725 in products. Wouldn't that get you off to a great start in your business? You just can't go wrong with an incentive like this one!!

We have a fantastic training program, a solid, caring company, and CTMH gives you the tools to make you successful. Whether you want to start your own business or just get a great discount on your scrapbooking products and acrylic stamps and inks, now is the time to join Close To my Heart. Call me to discuss (608) 320-9801 or e-mail me at kirwankm@hotmail.com.

If you are ready to join right now, then go to my website - keeleyskreations.myctmh.com, click on "Your Opportunities" and you can sign up right away! (You must sign up on my website to be assigned to my team.) I would love to have YOU join me!!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

CTMH's July Stamp of the Month - You've Got Flair

July Stamp of the Month
Receive a FREE Stamp Set with your $100 purchase!

You've Got Flair
D1351: $22.95 US (set includes 8 stamps)

Available: July 1-31, 2009 only

(For more details...click on the picture)

FREE - Close To My Heart Summer 2009 Idea Books

The summer is always a super busy time for the Kirwan's. We have lots of family activities, sports, trips, etc. planned. I haven't gotten to spend nearly as much time working my Close To My Heart business as I would have liked the past couple months. And as you could tell, I hadn't posted anything CTMH related since early Spring. Now is the time to change that!!

The Summer 2009 Idea Book is jam packed with lots of exciting new papers and stamps!! If you haven't gotten the chance to take a look at this great Idea Book you can view it on my website at - keeleyskreations.myctmh.com or click the picture below to take you directly to the Idea Book.

If you would like your own personal hard copy please leave a comment. The Idea Book is FREE...you just need to cover the shipping.

So what are you waiting for...leave a comment now!!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Kakabeka Falls in Ontario, Canada - 6.27.09

Thank You Grandma and Grandpa for taking us with you again this year!! We had so much fun and can't wait to go again next year!! WE LOVE YOU!!
Our family picture minus Shana...sniffle sniffle!! Next year girlie!!
Normally Shana is in this picture as well. She will be there next year though!! "I miss Shana terrible!" is what Nathan said all week long...we all did!!
So long Canada...until we meet again in June 2010!!

Kakabeka Falls in Ontario, Canada - 6.27.09

Another tradition that was started when Nathan was born is to stop at Kakabeka Falls in Ontario, Canada on our way home. I have pictures in my photo album of when my sister and I were little and would stop there. I don't know when we stopped stopping there...hehehe...but am glad we started back up!! They are beautiful and loud!!





Last Night in Canada - 6.26.09

Just relaxing before bed on our last night in Canada. We always come in from fishing around 3:00 p.m. so they can get the boat loaded up on the trailer and packed up. We then chill a little before dinner. My dad always makes hors d'oeuvres - walleye cheeks. They are seriously the best part of the fish. We keep them all from the start of the trip and then he grills them up. After that we each start taking a shower as usually the boys don't shower too much when we are up there...hehehe. Dinner is usually around 6:30ish. Everyone finishes showering, and then we just relax. The boys watch a movie as usual and more cards are played, and we try to hit the hay a little earlier than normal as we try and get up and leave Pine Point Resort by 8:00 a.m.

We had a wondeful time and cant' wait to go back and do it again next year!!

Morgan chillin' with Papa!!



Fishing in Canada - 6.26.09

There are always a TON of Mallard ducks at the resort. We have always fed them our leftover bread or buns the night before we head out. It's a tradition...hehehe.




Fishing in Canada - 6.26.09

Here are some pictures of Nathan and Morgan just chillin' out.
Grandma...are you talking to me?!?! I'm not listening!! LOL!!
Am I cute or what?!?!
You two are so darn cute!!

Fishing in Canada - 6.25.09

Here's Ben with another nice walleye!!
Here's my little fisherman holding a cute baby walleye - of course named Trixie!!

Fishing in Canada - 6.24.09

Here's Ben with a nice walleye!! As Nathan would say, "Check out that fish's mohawk!!"
And here ladies and gentlemen is the very first Canadian shore lunch for my family. We have planned to do it for at least two or three years, and it just never happened due to 1) not catching fish to eat for lunch or 2) the weather. Well this year it finally worked out, and I didn't go...ugh!! What they do is get up early and grab breakfast before heading out which they normally don't do. Then they stay out and keep fishing until they get enough for lunch. Find a good spot to leave the boat and get out and grill up the fish just hours after catching them. Fish always taste the best when they are fresh...and man...nothing beats fresh Canadian Walleye...Yum Yum!!

Fishing in Canada - 6.23.09

This was the evening trip...I didn't make this one. Dad's got a pretty nice northern don't ya think. Love that rainbow in the background too!!


Fishing in Canada - 6.23.09

Here is Nathan catching is first fish ever all by himself on his new Superman pole!!