My Hair's Mini Holiday

Ok, yes....admittedly I may be losing my mind, but I have to tell you it certainly feels like my hair got a holiday. I don't know about you but this crispy cold air has turned my coiffe into crispy fried hair. Luckily my friend Deborah Tang, yep, Deborah from last year's post, suggested a mini spa day for my ailing locks. I am not one of those girls that spend hours each morning perfecting their hair and makeup.....I am more the roll out of bed and tie my hair in a knot on the top of my head type, but still my hair was driving me nuts as it was so frizzy and falling into my face. Deborah lent me this really cute bag with everything I needed to save my hair from an untimely chopping.

The shampoo is Arbonne Pure Vibrance Lustre Fortifying Shampoo. It smells divine. I can't put my finger on the exact scent but its somewhere in the berry area. Its not too fruity or strong. I am really sensitive to strong fragrance so you can trust me when I say its just right.

The conditioner is Arbonne Pure Vibrance Fortifying Conditioner. It does not really have a smell. At least I could not smell it over the lovely shampoo. You know how when your hair is really damaged and you run your hand over it when it is wet you can feel the tangly feel. As soon as I put this conditioner on that was all gone. Poof. Conditioners do remove some of that but not like this. It was literally smooth as silk.

I was already tickled with the performance of the products and then I tried the hair mask. Oh my! My hair's texture totally changed. I thought about doing one of those videos where you see the girl flouncing her gorgeous hair around but I figured you would be laughing too hard to finish reading this post.

The spa did not end there. She lent me a serum....I think more valuable than the serum used to create Captain America. Arbonne Pure Vibrance Colour Last Hair Serum. My hair is not coloured....that will be next weeks post  (be sure to check in) but it does tame your hair and make it shiny and glossy. The final touch was the Arbonne Texturizing Mousse. Ta-Da....a perfect hair day.

Thank you Deborah, I really needed this intervention to save my hair.  If you are having a hair emergency or even just need a glamorous holiday look, Contact Deborah Tang Arbonne District Manager, Independent Consultant deborah.tang@gmail.com or shop Arbonne

Family Photo Traditions At Christmas Time - Guest Post By Sarah Kirby

It's funny how little things become traditions without even noticing. 

One year you bake cookies and the next year your kids expect that you'll be baking cookies. One year you decorate the tree while watching Miracle On 34th Street and ... well, you get the idea. 

For my family, the "silly Christmas couch picture" seems to be a tradition we've had for a few years now and I don't see it leaving us anytime soon.

Because I'm a photographer, it's perfectly normal for me to never be in any family photos. Unless it's a cell phone "selfie", I'm the one behind the camera.

So, I started using my tripod to get at least one family photo with me in it. (We could be like the Simpsons!)

My husband is uncomfortable posing for photos, my girls are not (because of their years with a mom who always has the camera out). 

While I was taking some test shots to make sure the light was right, my girls used the time to make some faces and help Mike relax a bit. 

Somehow, a perfectly lovely happy family photo turned into complete silliness and that silliness has evolved into one of our most fun traditions.

I do still get my perfectly lovely happy family photo too!

A few years ago we tried a "photobooth".  

I set up our little "booth" at the end of a hallway by tapeing a sheet to the wall. Our light source was a floorlamp with the shade removed.

I used my good camera on a tripod but I discovered that there are several "apps" out there that will do some really neat images like Photomat (free) and Pocketbooth (.99 cents). You don't have to have a big camera with a tripod to try it out.     

This hasn't become a tradition for us ... yet. But it was a hoot and definitely calls for a round 2 this year now that I have a home studio.

"What are your family photo traditions at Christmas time? If you don't have one, maybe this is your year to experiment! Have fun with it."

Sarah is the owner of Imagine Photography

About Sarah Kirby

My name is Sarah Kirby and I live in Belleville, Ontario with my husband Mike and my daughters Becca and Brianna, all of whom are tremendous supporters of Imagine Photography. In 2007 I began a second career as a scrapbooking consultant and it was through this work that my passion for photography developed. I began to see photos from a different perspective, imagining what they might look like in a scrapbook and how they might best be taken to preserve memories for a lifetime.

My passion (some might say "obsession”) eventually led to taking pictures for friends and family and that passion for photography was fueled even more. Through photography courses, I constantly strive to upgrade my knowledge, skills and equipment so that I can give you, the customer, the highest quality photos and the best overall experience possible.

From 2012 to 2014 I lived in and visited seven countries on three different continents. This experience not only gave me a deeper appreciation of diverse cultures, but also allowed me to photograph some of the most beautiful places on earth. Egypt’s Great Pyramids, Jordan’s ancient city of Petra, and Kenya’s Masai Mara are just a few of the locations I have been privileged to photograph. (please visit my Blog pages to view the travel photography or my Landscape page if you are interested in buying an image. Egypt/Kenya/Jordan Blog and Thailand/New Zealand/Ecuador Blog)

Now that I have re-settled in the Quinte area, I am ready to devote all of my efforts to serving my customers and creating beautiful and lasting memories

Find Sarah on Facebook

Meet My Friend Sarah and Sneak Peek at November Posts.

Its always nice when out of the blue you have the opportunity to get to know someone new. I was lucky enough to meet Sarah a few months ago in a fb group and we became quick friends. Sarah was kind enough to agree to guest post this week about Family Photos. I know this is something that I start to think about this time of year. Will they be formal shots of the whole family or just the kids dressed up in their Christmas best? I can't wait to share Sarah's "take" on the whole situation.

Join us this Friday for Sarah's informative yet unorthodox post.

Also, be sure to check back later in the month for articles from other guest bloggers about holiday entertaining, keeping holiday stress in check, eating right and staying healthy during the holidays and more.

Did you visit the Heroes Of The City Giveaway yet? Those wonderful folks are at it again. This time you can win a $25 Amazon card. Winners will be drawn every day December 1st-25, 2014.

Enter to win here: 

http://is.gd/HGIxtD

Jumpstart Your Christmas Cardmaking: Pop-Up Nativity Card

Who doesn't love a good pop-up card? This card requires a wee bit of fussy cutting but the end result is so cute that its worth the effort.

Materials:

Colonial White card base & Envelope

Colonial White Cardstock

Desert Sand Cardstock

Adhesive

Crystal Blue Ink

Desert Sand Ink

Cocoa Ink

I used Glory To God Stamp Set (Retired) but the new version is Reason For The Season (You can also use the diecut pieces that are included in the design file in artfully sent)

Embossing Folder (I used a frame folder from Cuttlebug)

Cricut Artfully Sent Cartridge

The best way to tackle this card is to work on it as two separate cards and then put them together. 

Cut a 41/4 x 51/2 piece of colonial white cardstock. Using your embossing folder create the frame impression. Next stamp your city background in desert sand ink. Next add your sentiment, wisemen and star in Cocoa. Using a sponge lightly ink your sky using crystal blue ink and the ground using desert sand. Allow the ink to dry completely and then adhere it to the front of your card base.

Using your artfully sent cricut cartridge select the Nativity Pop Up Design from page 46 of your instruction booklet. You will see all the layers you need appear. Once you have cut the pieces out of colonial white and desert sand you will want to carefully fold the pop up base. The easiest way to do this is by folding the card in half like a regular card using your bone folder and then go back and gently push alternating slotted areas forward. Once you have all your folds done attach it to the desert sand base liner. I find it is easier to line the characters up once it is stable (no pun intended). If you need to stamp your images now is the time to do it and then fussy cut them before adhering to their steps.We stamped our Creche right on the back of the card so that Jesus and his family would seem to be inside it.  Stamp your sentiment in the bottom right hand corner with cocoa ink. Once you have your nativity scene together you can gently adhere it to the card base. Voila you are a pop-up card whiz.

Jump Start Your Christmas Card Making - Mary & Babe Card

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun in my house. Once the first Christmas card classes occur I
know that time will start to pass quickly and I have to put myself into high gear. I love the way that our first set of cards turned out. The ladies in the club had allot of fun with the design and I hope you will too.

The first card in the series is the Mary & Babe Card.

Mary & Babe Stamp Set

Materials:

Water Colour Pencils 
Chocolate Ink
Adhesive
Colonial White Envelope
Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge (or scalloped oval and oval punch)
Crystal Blue Cardstock
White Daisy Cardstock
Colonial White Cardstock
Mary & Babe Stamp Set


Cut a 81/2 x 51/2 sheet of crystal cardstock to create a card base (I used my cricut and the damask decor cartridge to get the edge you see pictured.) If your design requires a liner like mine did be sure to cut the coordinating piece out of colonial white cardstock.

Using your punches or cricut cartridge cut a scalloped oval out of crystal blue and a liner for it out of colonial white. Cut an additional oval out of white daisy that fits just inside the blue shape. I cut an additional oval frame out of colonial cardstock to frame my focal image but the other ladies chose to leave that piece out.

Using the Mary and Babe stamp from Close To My Heart stamp the image on the white daisy oval. Colour with your favourite water colour pencils. If you want to wet the image after colouring be sure that you used an archival ink. If you would rather use your alcohol based markers you will want to use MEMENTO ink.

Use Pop dots to mount your focal image to the blue scalloped oval and then to the card base.

Susan's Dog Treats Giveaway!!!

Susan Rossy, Owner of Susan's Dog Treats has offered to host a giveaway for our launch of Titan and Legend Blog Dogs. I figured since everyone else in my family is a test subject for reviews and samples it was time my young fur babies stepped up and took some of the spotlight.. Susan joined us last fall in our All I want for Christmas blog series and we are excited to work with her again. Titan and Legend are definitely big fans of her work.

Her peanut butter and bacon dog treats are favourites of not only my precocious pups but of my Mother's pampered pooches as well. I will post Titan & Legends Reviews tomorrow....as brief as they were...my dog's are pups of few words...

Enter to win a prize pack for your four legged family member and you will find out that homemade is by far a better treat than dry old store bought biscuits.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Heroes of The City Baby App

Exciting news! We are teaming up with Heroes of The City once again to bring you another amazing giveaway! Heroes of The City has launched their new app that is designed especially for wee ones.

Here’s some facts about the Baby app:

"The app is completely free, with no advertising and has no in-app purchases. Everything in the app is designed for the youngest children. The app is easy to use, entertaining, educational and will inspire our children to be creative. This app takes the smallest children seriously and we have specially designed everything in the app to suit children between 0-2 + years."

The app includes:

• 3 animated short movies (Language: English and Swedish )
• Music Panel with two different themes
• Color and shape game
• Magic coloring game
• Balloon Game

In celebration of the launch of the new App I will be inviting several of the Mama's I know to bring their little ones over to test drive this cute new product. Be sure to check back over the next few weeks to see what the "baby reviewers" thought of Heroes of the City Baby! We will announce the giveaway prize in that post, along with all the details of how you can win. If you missed out on the last giveaway be sure to enter this time. Remember there will be extra chances for entries by tweeting and posting about the giveaway!

Do you want to try the Baby App too! Just follow the links to get your copy.

App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/heroes-of-the-city-baby-app/id860084935?mt=8

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rutaett.HeroesBaby&hl=en

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQIZNADyAdMEWhjM8cq7ROw

I hope your family falls in love with Heroes of The City as much as mine. These cute, colourful characters will inspire your little ones to be Heroes too!

June Stamp of the Month: Kaboom

Have you started planning all those summer celebrations yet? This month Close To My Heart is offering the cutest stamps set that would be just perfect for your Canada Day Celebration invitations, cards and layouts. Its called Kaboom! You can snag this set for only $5 with a qualifying purchase in June. Be sure to take advantage of the anniversary kit offer at the same time. Have fun creating with these explosive deals.

Don't limit yourself to fireworks and picnics. I see this set being used for an action hero type layout for my five year old. Bam, Bang, KABOOM! Love it.

National Scrapbooking Month

What are you doing to CELEBRATE National Scrapbooking Month? This fun kit is available for just $5 with a $50 purchase. Guess what: You can still get your Stamp of The Month for $5! Go ahead and double up on the May deals.  After all,  National Scrapbooking Month comes but once a year....treat yourself! 

Cropping for a Cause

Hello friends.  I have been very busy the last couple of weeks getting ready for what turned out to be a wonderful day with an amazing group of women.  Originally we planned the event in support of the Relay for Life Team that my son has been on for the last few years.

After months of planning the event and after paying for the hall the team folded. Ironically I had been at a meeting of 31 gifts consultants that same day and had met a woman who's father needed a kidney transplant. I am a huge believer that God puts us where he wants us to be so I was sure that this was a sign that we should continue with the event and give the proceeds to this local family.

After having most of the vendors and croppers pull out at the last minute because it was no longer in support of Cancer I was ready to throw in the towel. After prayerful consideration and a looooooooonnnnnnnnnngggggg discussion with my husband (who is always my sounding board in situations like this) I made the decision to proceed and just accept whatever happened.  What happened turned out to be a wonderful day!

The vendors that came were quite possibly the nicest bunch of direct sales people I have ever met. The Scrapbookers were a cozy little group that spending the day with was a delight.

At lunch time we sat at tables to the side of the hall in small groups of 2-4 women. At supper time we put all the pizza on one table and strung the other tables together so that we could all be together. My husband had quite a chuckle when he realized we had all been sitting there eating pizza and sharing stories for over an hour without noticing. We bought things off each other, learned from each other and laughed so much my sides are still a bit sore.

We may not have raised a ton of money for the family but we raised $127 which is not bad. I will continue to brainstorm ideas to raise more money as part of my charitable plan for this year.

I love love love Scrapbooking, but scrapbooking for a cause was an incredible experience.  What can you do to use your creative skills for a good cause? Cards to shut ins? Crafts with kids groups? It is an amazing feeling to use the gifts God has given each of us to make others lives a bit better.

Please visit our amazing new friends: (I will add the links as I receive them )
Pampered Chef- Chantele
Ahna & Zoe- Claudette
Thirty-One Gifts - Julie
Scentsy - Lisa
Organo Gold- Yvonne

Artbooking Made Easy: Fun in the Sun

Artbooking Made Easy: Togetherness

Artbooking Made Easy: Capturing Snapshots (+playlist)

Artbooking Made Easy: Artbooking My Life

April's Stamp Of The Month

The stamp of the month for April has got to be one of the cutest sets this spring. Imagine all the projects you will be able to create with this adorable collection of "blurbs" and "chat balloons".

Balloon Talk is available to purchase for just $5 with a qualifying purchase in April. It has 24 sweet sentiments that will have you stamping happily for every occasion.

To order this adorable set just visit my site at My Grandma's Tea Cups Close To My Heart

Now is the Time to let your Creativity Make Your Dreams Reality

Have you been dreaming of starting out on a new adventure? Last year, that was me. By chance I was invited to party at a new neighbours house. I had heard of Close To My Heart as I was an avid scrapbooker. I even owned a couple of the cricut bundles and a few stamps.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would sign up to be a consultant and a year later have my own business that I love, an amazing scrapbook club, a downline of enthusiastic consultants, a schedule of classes and workshops and so much more.  My life has changed in ways that I can not begin to describe.  Are you ready to take that first step? During the month of April, Close To My Heart is offering an incredible package, The consultant kit contains over $300 in products and supplies and costs only $99.

If you reach your sales goals of $1200 for your first quarter they will give you your enrollment fee back so the kit is free. 

For the month of April only new consultants get their choice of one of our three exclusive Cricut bundles. FREE!!! $99 value

If you are unsure of the cartridge bundle that suits you best Senior Director Melissa Laverty created a really helpful video:

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to follow your dreams. I did and now I can't imagine my world without Close To My Heart. Take the leap and join my team ------------------------------> Your dream starts here------------->

Heroes of The City Giveaway: Thanks for making this giveaway our best yet!

Working with the folks from Heroes of the City was a great experience. They offered such a cute prize package and they were so friendly and helpful that I feel like I need to just take a moment to say a big

This was by far one of our most popular giveaways! It would seem my munchkin is not the only one that has fallen in love with this cute and clever show.

Be sure to check back often as we are planning future fun with this great company.

Want a sneak peak? Ok, but don't tell!

If you were the winner of the Heroes of the City Giveaway please email me right away. You won't want to wait to have your prize sent out!

Artbooking Made Easy: All-Star Scrapbooking

Pick Me Up Gifts : Explosion Boxes

Hello there.  I just wanted to quickly share a little video I made of two explosion boxes that I made today. I think that they might be just the trick to cheer up a couple of ladies that are going through a rough patch.  If you have any questions about the construction of the boxes please leave me a comment below.

Explosion Boxes

Artbooking Made Easy: Fab Frames

Is there something on your mind. Feel free to share it.

Goo and Spot: Do Not Wriggle Riddle

Today I was flipping through my Google Plus posts and noticed one of my connections was looking for someone to do a review of her book. As my wee one was right beside me I asked him if he wanted to see a story book on Mommy's phone. He peeked onto my screen and was immediately interested. The beautiful illustrations are so whimsical and portray the story so beautifully it was hard not to be interested. We read the cute little story together and he really enjoyed the silliness of the plot. His birthday is coming up so I think that I will be ordering this one for our bedtime bookshelf. If you are looking for a sweet, engaging story for your preschooler you won't want to miss Goo and Spot. I know my family will be looking forward to future adventures with these two spunky friends.

Want more Goo and Spot? Visit the author Elsa's page or read more reviews at fellow blogger Emma Northcott's site. Elsa also provided some really cute colouring pages! You can download them from Here!


Like Elsa's page to stay informed of where and when you can get your hands on a copy of this adorable book.

Heroes of the City Giveaway!!!!!

Well, I am late getting this up. For that I apologise. I hope you will forgive me when you see the amazing prize package that the folks from the Heroes of the City Movie Ap have put together for us.  My little man has totally forsaken his ps3 and computer time in favour of playing on his Heroes of the City Ap. He loves the games, the movies, the trophies.....even the music seems to tickle his funny bone.

He went a little bit crazy yesterday when a large package from Sweden arrived at our home. I am very lucky that today was not his JK day as he had no intention of getting on the bus and leaving behind his Heroes of the City book or toys. He thinks having a Mom that is a blogger is a blast. Between you and I and the lamp post I have noticed my other two paying a lot of attention to the dvd too. My oldest son commented last night that it was very well put together and he really liked the graphics ( I think that is code for "Shoot, I got caught watching a show for little kids).

If you have not yet downloaded the Heroes of the City Movie Ap what are you waiting for. You will love the positive messages and quality content. Your child will just love it because it is pure fun.

Hurry, go over to the AppStore or Google Play and add this gem to your child's device.
AppStore or Google Play

Oh yes, the giveaway! Well, you are going to love this one.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Artbooking Made Easy: Happy Springtime

Is there something on your mind. Feel free to share it.

New App Review: Heroes of the City

The other day I was sorting through my email and came across a message from one of the Mom blogging clubs I belong to. They were letting me know about an opportunity to review a new children's software. I jumped at the chance to get a sneak peak at a new app for kids. I don't know about you but I was getting pretty tired of hearing the squawks of certain irritated birds knocking down the homes of little green pigs.

My plan was to download the app to my phone where I could privately review it before allowing my little man to have a go at it. I no sooner had it running then the music drew him over. Within moments he had me peeking over his shoulder as he took full control of my phone.  I have since downloaded it to his tablet. It has become his favourite screen time activity. We do not have cable or satellite (just good ole Netflix) so being able to watch a program on his tablet made him over the moon happy. He intuitively navigated the menus and games like a seasoned pro. I asked him if  Heroes of the City gets a "Thumbs Up" or a "Thumbs Down" and he enthusiastically said "Thumbs Up its awesome". He's four, so I think that is pretty much the highest of praises.

As a Mom I have to say I really like this app. It is really nicely done, it has positive messages, the cartoons are only 14 mins so its not too much time at once and works well as a reward (pick up the toys and then you may watch one Heroes Of  The City episode). The games are really engaging and help encourage critical thinking and fine motor skills.

I did find some lags in the initial loading of the software. It sometimes looks like it is frozen and the phone recognized it as unresponsive but if I clicked wait it would eventually come up. The graphics are some of the best that I have seen in a child's app. The sound is excellent quality. Overall, I really think this app is a great addition to your child's digital toybox.

I highly recommend that you download the free version of the app which is available in both android and iphone. Once you fall in love with it you will want to invest in the entire library of movies and games.

I received a free copy of this app in order to review it but had I only seen the preview I know it is something I would have purchased for my little man. It is well worth the money.

AppStore: https://itunes.apple.com/app/heroes-of-the-city-movie-app/id602592310

GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rutaett.HeroesMovie&hl=en

About Heroes of the City

Heroes of the City is a television cartoon about rescue vehicles in a small town where everyone can be a hero!

Follow the fantastically exciting adventures along with friends in town. Meet Paulie Police Car and Fiona Fire Engine as they help the townspeople find thieves, put out fires, and solve one of the many mysteries that happen in the otherwise quiet town. You will also get to know Calamity Crow, the most unlucky bird in town.

Emphasizing friendship, Heroes of the City contains a great deal of warmth and what may be accomplished by helping each other. The cartoon is primarily targeted at children age 3 – 7.

Heroes of the city is created by Ruta Ett DVD AB

Contact: info@rutaett.com

Homepage: www.hotc.nu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeroesOfTheCity

Trailer: http://vimeo.com/73244439

Heroes of the City Movie App

The Heroes of the City Movie app! An all-in-one, safe and fun children's application.
This is a perfect app for children 2-6 year. The app includes both movies and games.
The content is fully adapted to the target audience and is based on the popular television series Heroes of the City

Features:
More than six hours of entertaining movies!
Nine exciting games!

Air Play function for your Apple TV!
Collect trophies to unlock your own secret surprise!
One full movie episode, 3 games and a music video for free.

Available to download for free here:
Apple device:  https://itunes.apple.com/app/heroes-of-the-city-movie-app/id602592310
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rutaett.HeroesMovie&hl=en

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rutaett.HeroesMovie&hl=en

Trailer: http://vimeo.com/73132390

GIVEAWAY PREVIEW

Starting March 1st My Grandma's Tea Cups will be lucky enough to be able to offer a giveaway from this incredible company. I am just so excited to have the chance to provide your little kidlet a prize package of products from Heroes of the City.  Mark your calendars for March 1st and come every day as there will be entries to be earned each day in March. Look at the fabulous prizes! Don't worry, I know how hectic it is to remember everything...so if you sign up for My Grandma's Tea Cups Insiders on Google Plus I will keep you in the loop. My Grandma's Tea Cups Insiders

My Latest BZZZZZ Agent Assignment Arrived Today.

What a wonderful thing to chase the winter blahs away. I went down to the post office to pick up my Close To My Heart Order and received the happy news that I had a second parcel waiting. You have to see how cute it is.

I can't tell you what the campaign is just yet as the official buzz does not start until Wednesday. This campaign was made for me...if you follow me on fb you will hear me talking about this very topic regularly in the morning.  Check back Wednesday to see what we are up to.

The other package contained my Close to My Heart order for February. One of the ladies ordered the Jubilee paper packet and it is even cuter up close then it is in the catalogue. Guess what is going on my list for next month's order!  Here is a peek at all the goodies we ordered. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! This is going to be a super busy week here in the studio but I hope you will take a moment to say hi here or over in the google plus group. if you have not joined yet, be sure to find  My Grandma's Tea Cups Insiders  I have to run now as I have orders to sort. Oh, and don't forget about the Mystery Hostess Party going on today! You could win some awesome Jamberry Nail wraps .Mystery Hostess Jamberry Nails Party

February Stamp Of The Month: Wild About Love

Have you heard about the amazing Stamp of The Month special from Close To My Heart? Each month you have the option of purchasing a full size stamp set for only $5 with a purchase of $50. I purchase mine every month because I am one crafty Mama that loves a deal.  The hardest part is waiting for the month that I can grab up my favourites for $5. The great part is that you can purchase the stamp sets for every $50 you spend. If you are like me and have a young stamper in the family, it is a really inexpensive way to build her collection too. They also make perfect gifts for scrapping friends and family.  Close to my heart makes it so easy to qualify for the Stamp Of The Month each month by offering a different special or incentive to get you stocked up on all the supplies you need to make beautiful works of art.






The Stamp of the Month for February is "Wild About Love". You will love the cute woodland feel of this adorable set.

See I told you so!

Two of the stamps coordinate with the Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge available exclusively from Close To My Heart.  If you have not purchased this bundle yet you should put it on your wishlist.  Each Close To My Heart Cricut bundle come with over 700 images to cut, coordinating stamps and chipboard pieces. Each bundle costs only $99 but by hosting a home gathering, FB party or catalogue party, you could get it half off or even free using your hostess rewards.  If you live in Canada and would like to book an online or catalogue party please contact me at mygrandmasteacups@gmail.com. If you live outside of Canada you can go to the Close To My Heart website and search for a consultant in your area.






Imagine the possibilities for all the artwork that you can create using this super adorable stamp set.

Artbooking Made Easy: Nursery Rhymes

It's Time to Party: Jamberry Style

I told you she was coming to throw a party with us! The fabulous Charlotte Barker Independent Jamberry Nails Consultant is throwing a party for all you Tea Cozies out there. This is the best part! One of you will get to be the Mystery Hostess!!!! So go to the fb party event page and join in the fun. Then pop over to Charlotte's online business to place your order. Keep visiting the party page on fb to keep the fun going and come back here to get entries to the draw. How great would it be to win free Jamberry goodies? I can't wait to get my Vintage Chic wraps! Let's show Charlotte how we crafty girls roll. Ready, set,

This is the event page:Mystery Hostess Jamberry Nails Party

Then come back to get entries!!!! Come back every day!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Artbooking Made Easy: Sweet Smiles

Artbooking Made Easy: Sweet Smiles

Score Big with Embossing

Artbooking Made Easy: Sugar & Spice

February Special: Free Embossing Folders!

You can not imagine how excited that I was to see beautiful new embossing folders in the Spring/ Summer 2014 Idea book. Of all my cardmaking tools I think my embossing folders are my absolute favourite. Even my four year old can't get enough of running plain cardstock through my cuttlebug and retrieving his masterpiece from the other side. I have been a big fan of embossing for quite some time. My first attempts were with those brass stencils with the awkward looking images. I did not like the result that I could get with them, though admittedly it may have been user error. Next I ventured to the Fiskars Scrapboss. I loved this thing.  My 12x12 layouts had never looked so clever. I scooped up every available stencil I could find. I ebayed and 50% off couponed until I had them all. Then, without notice, there were no more. To this day I love my Scrapboss but you can only use the same patterns so many times. A few years ago my sister-in-law bought me a cuttlebug for Christmas. I was not sure what I would do with it as I already had a cricut that I loved. It sat on my shelf for over a year before I truly unlocked its potential. Embossing!!!!! I live less that five minutes away from Ecstasy Crafts (you've likely seen their ads in your scrapbook magazines, on the shopping network and online). They have the most incredible collection of embossing folders. The only draw back is that some of them get pretty pricey. I was so excited to open my online office and see that the February special was FREE embossing folders. That's right...they are FREE!

How amazing is that.  I am stocking up on my cardstock this month so I can take advantage of this deal. If you would like to order visit http://mygrandmasteacups.ctmh.com and click shop. If you are interested in earning free products and big discounts contact me and we can have a really fun online party where your friends can stay safely at home and off the icy roads and you won't need to clean you house! 

How are you going to decide which folder you want for FREE?

I want them all! That my friends is why I am a Close To My Heart Independent Consultant. I get to have it all and call it work! Let me know if you are interested in learning about the benefits of becoming a Close To My Heart Independent Consultant. It is an incredible company and amazing discounts on all the things you love.