Official Blog Transition! :)

After 4 years...YaY!  It's totally gone OFFICIAL, working, transitioned and I'm absolutely tickeled pink over it!  I've been in talks with my dear Mother for over a year regarding updating and transitioning my blog.  There are several reasons for this change: 1. Ease of Use in Finding my web-site. 2. Setting up relevant information, posts, pages...that You my readers can rely upon. 3. Though I've worked with this blog for a couple of years I just could not get google to transition my domain that I purchased over 2 years ago.  As a result...Creatique Candy is born.  Though still in it's infancy my hope is that you will enjoy the changes and follow Creatique at our new location and in return my promise is to keep it updated continuously!  Whether I'm posting creativity, photos of whatnots, or just sharing about other inspiration I've found...I'm sure you will find it a TREAT!  I want to Thank Fabulously Artsy for inspiring this transition as she is always my #1 Inspiration.  Check out her really Fabulous changes by clicking on her name in bold!
Here is the new web-site for Creatique: www.CreatiqueCandy.com There is already a new "Bliss" card post there today! HUGS & TY for following me there...

Happy May Day & National Scrapbooking Month!

Happy May Day Everyone!  I'm sooo excited about National Scrapbooking Month!  I Love Love Love our special and had the gracious opportunity to create and share my gorgeous pages with you.  Here are a couple ways that you can get your creative hands on our discounted National Scrapbook Special "You & Me".  For just a minimum order of $50 you can get this Special for $15, more than 1/2 off the price of $34.95. (just click shop with me) OR you can Join Our Incredible Team Creatique Innovationz for 50% off your New Consultant Kit and receive this adorable package for FREE!...yes you read that correctly!  
The added delicious special is a bonus, however being apart of a Creative Team and earning a huge discount on top of determining your own income with a minimal investment is an Unique Opportunity! The New Consultant Kit comes packed with your choices on what you would like to do with your own business. The value is over $300.00 and through the month of May were breaking with tradition just for YOU!  

To sign-up your initial investment is ONLY $64.50 (basic 3 choices kit) and it is only $40.00 to add -on any other package to enhance your business goals or even to be a hobbyist with deep discounts.  I'm sooo looking forward to leading US into a successful Summer and bring some Financial Freedom to You Today!  Just click on the photo to the right and begin your journey with Team Creatique...Happy Stamping and Much Love!...

Why I LOVE What I Do...

Have you ever just woke up and said any of these things to yourself: "I sooo don't want to get ready for work.",  "I wished I could spend more time with my family.", "If only I could afford to go out, have a date, spend time with friends?", "If only I owned my own business."... I used to say the same things to myself.
It is really difficult not to, because we give ourselves permission to do so.  What if I were to tell you that YOU do not have to feel that way or say those things to YOURSELF anymore?  What if I told you that I own my own business and I have the freedom to make the money I want to?  What if I told you that being an Independent Consultant for Close To My Heart is the most rewarding, inspiring, touching, incredible Direct Sales company to ever be apart of?...Would that be something that would inspire you to want more?  
In order for a Journey to begin there is a goal someone has to have that is so powerful and so motivating that makes your heart skip a beat...(Mary Christensen).  If it weren't for my Close To My Heart business I wouldn't be able to even share this post right now.  I LOVE what I do because I can literally pay it forward without hesitation in so many ways.  I can actually help to change someones life by inspiring, creating, educating, and sharing this incredible opportunity with others.
In saying this the road to success is not without discouragement, that is when you can lean on your team members and other extraordinary people in your life to do a "PICK ME UP" and dust off to keep moving.  I can honestly say with my whole heart that I'm able to do that.  My FEAR?  Failure...we all have that yet during this particular month of opportunities that are FREE FREE & FABULOUS!  YOU can own your own business as an Independent Consultant with Close To My Heart too!  The road to success is paired with an unparalleled company in this industry and what they do for us all.    
I invite you to view "My Story" link from my web-site to learn more about Why I LOVE what I do and also view this incredibly INSPIRATIONAL gift that I received from my Husband for Valentines Day that our dear friend Rick Morton from the Wild 101.1 FM wake-up show, and Team Mazda were able to give me.  Best part is that if I weren't an Independent Consultant with Close To My Heart this never could of been possible!

Don't delay...join Team Creatique Innovationz today and Let Me Show You How to not have to wake up with those exhausting questions each day.  I'm looking forward to helping you find your Inspiration and Why for wanting to own YOUR very own business.

CU 2011 Charms Preview & Updates...

Sooo...excited about Creative University this year I can hardly catch my breathe to catch up ;).  I've been slightly neglectful the last 2 weeks in blogging.  However, I have an inspired justification for this.  Each year darling trendy adorable Fabulously Artsy Tresa Black, holds a unique event that is like none other that I've had the honor to experience and I truly mean this from my heart.  It is a time for me to get away and be educated by amazing Instructors hand chosen in our industry, Relax in an amazingly breath-taking environment, and last but not least INSPIRATION in abundance.  These are the key words and foundation of this amazing experience.  None the less I'm pretty pre-occupied with preparations for this event.  Bonus; it is the only time I get to spend an entire weekend with my wonderful friends that I don't get to see throughout the year.  So here is what I've been working on that has had my hands a little sore...but a priceless memento that I personally can't live without participating in.  It is our Annual CU Charm Swap.  I figured I would post some pre-views that are not packaged as that will be in a slideshow follow-up after the event along with all the other goodies I'm creating just for CU 2011. I will follow-up after the photos with an update. Enjoy....

Creative & Filler Charms for "Vintage" & "Under The Sea" Charm Swap Close-Up!

"Vintage...you can see that there is a similar filler that is attached to the Creative charm and it is dual sided with glass type coating on both sides.  Took hours to dry and each piece is uniquely different....

As you see these are scrabble tiles...Yes a new rage and there is so many things you can do with them.  It is fun to be able to craft an image on to them or use any kind of paper or scrap that you choose.  Again they are dual sided, yet only one side has an itty bitty sparkle on them. 

Then we have "Under The Sea" The Creative charm is a mix of small color beads wrapped then connected on a jump ring that surrounds the Turtles head...hence under the sea. :) 

Updates: 

I've been working on a few creative things lately as you can tell.  Some I can share and some I have to keep secret. shhhh  I was going to start Creatique's Live Technique Tuesday class broadcast last night, however, I was notified by my shipper of my new system that it will not be here until this upcoming Friday.  That gives me a little bit of lead way to acclimate myself to the new system I will using to broadcast on, along with the programs on it.  So the live class has moved to Tuesday, February 8th @ 6:30pm MST. It is still going to be the canvas class using a 6x6 with re-inkers, designing using the our easy How-To pattern from "Wishes".  

Newsletters: I've worked on reformatting, revising, retouching, etc. on the newsletters.  I want to keep consistent as it is one of my goals for the New Year and yet there is not enough time in the day it seems.  With that said all of the monthly promotions etc. can always be found on my side-bar link back to my web-site for you to view along with the calender link back as well.  Please bare with me through our transitions.

Without further ado: Congrats go out to my Sister & Brother-In-Law Nicole and Cory on their new bouncing baby boy!  Were happy to hear he has finally come.  

Last and certainly not the least...Our family has experienced some unfortunate events and news over the holidays.  I'm keeping my chin up as much as possible and with whole heart I can say that without Close To My Heart, my Fellow CTMH Sisters, extended Family & Friends who embrace us and my FB community I don't think I would be able to get through these times.  So my deepest gratitude for all the support, gifts, cards, e-mails, letters, phone calls and love that you all have shared with us.  It means a great deal to our family! 

With Love From the Creatique Home Studio....

Caring & Sharing for a Cause...Dr. Suess

I'm absolutely addicted to all things Dr. Suess!  What a surprise huh? One of my Favorite books written by him is "Oh, The Places You'll Go!"  I started this guilty pleasure years ago with my son.  I started collecting Dr. Seuss books from the bookorders that use to come home when he was in elementary school. Admittedly, I have a picture of him one Halloween dressed in the cutest little cat in the hat costume.  (I don't have a digi of it)  Of course my love for Dr. Seuss was for the nonsense words that he creates and the way he rhymes.  The stories and illustrations are a great way to teach how to sound out letters, rhyming, counting, you name it.

Well suffice to say in K's first grade class her teacher Mrs. Platt has a passion for Dr. Suess as well.  In her room on the back wall is a whole counter full of these books with characters to match them.  I fell in love immediately when I seen this themed display and also overheard her during reading time comparing sense and nonsense words using Dr. Suess.  When I asked her where in the world did she get those (thinking it must of cost an arm & a leg), she lite up like a ray of sunshine and said "Oh, they cost $5.00 each at Kohl's".  I literally thought I was going to just pass out right then and there.  How in the world can these collector books with exclusive large plushes only cost $5 each?  The answer is simple...Kohl's offers different themes from Dr. Suess, to Disney to Winnie the Pooh.  What they do is sponsor these limited edition exclusive books and plushes to match, for $5.00 a piece.  Kohl's does not profit from any of the proceeds.  In fact 100% of the profits are donated to support kids' health and education initiatives in communities nationwide.  What an incredible initiative to support. Not only do I get to collect these exclusive items the moment they hit the store but I also get an opportunity to give back to communities all over the country and even better yet, I have a blast doing it.  

Today was great because Mrs. Platt said she was meaning to e-mail me as Kohl's just got a new shipment in of Dr. Seuss and of course I went straight from school to the store to pick up my collection.  So I wanted to share where they are going to be displayed in my home.  Plus the photo of the newly released Dr. Suess collection.  I suggest that if your a fan like me to grab your keys and get to Kohl's for your set today.  They sail off of the shelves very quickly and once they are gone there gone!  

Share your favorite Dr. Suess story in the comment link below...if your store has run out I just might have a special one of these just for you!  Bonus...I'm still looking for a home on my last Creatique Candy give-away post. 

"Fall"ing in LOVE with FALL

I'm in love with Autumn/Fall!  It happens to be one of my favorite times of the year.  When I use to live on the east coast and now here in gorgeous Idaho, at this time of the year it truly is breathtaking to see what mother nature has in the design arsenal when it comes to breathtaking color hues. Oh, how I love a hot cup of fresh homemade apple cider, the aroma of the brisk air tickling my cheeks, the sounds of the leaves laughing beneath my feet.  

I can go on and on about the many ways I'm touched by the season.  One of the things I search for is harmony, a sense of peace within my soul and a way to artistically express it.  

This particular piece is just a practice for the one that I'm going to teach during my upcoming "Technique Tuesday's" Live online class.  

Letters are an easy way of expressing yourself and ones creativity as a gift or just a simple treasure for your family to see on the wall.  I love the papers in "Olivia" our newest paperpack from "Close To My Heart", it is fun, autumnish and really the papers are versatile within the pack so you can actually step out of the Fall feel and be free to mix and mingle papers together.  Whatever it is that you decide to do with your Letter expressions, remember to make it from your heart or whatever it is that's inspiring you.  

Creatique Candy works like this; those who participate in the class or watch the broadcast have until Sunday following the airing of my class that week to comment on my blog and channel.  Each new class will be eligible for the handmade creation I completed & posted from the prior class.  (Subject to minor changes in embellishments and/or base project to create your own).  Thanks for Viewing & Stay Tuned!

Chunky Monkey Letter Ustream Live Broadcast September 28th completed Torn, Tattered, T!  Check it out, there will be an upcoming post Sunday that will be featuring our Creatique Candy Winner.  Check out the live show via Creatique Innovationz Channel link: 
@ http://www.ustream.tv/channel/creatique-innovationz  After viewing the live broadcast it is in 3 segments, please comment on the show or share your thoughts, then come back here to comment and enter to win Creatique Candy through the link below. ***REMEMBER*** This Candy is for last Class Project Created and a pre-made base bonus, featured in one of my previous blog posts.
Thanks for viewing & sharing!
Here he is...Mr. Linky....Feel Free to leave your comment from last nights class...I look forward to Sunday's Creatique Candy Give-Away!  Also please leave a comment on the 3 part broadcast. Have a Fantabulous Day!

Facelift, Flowers, & More...

Howdy Bloggers, Friends, Family, Visitors!  I sure hope you like my new facelift!  It certainly isn't the surgical kind but I tell you what, it takes just as long as a surgery would. I was playing around with my blog the other night, one of those inspired things someone does when wanting to make a change, and wow there are so many things I can do & well as the fonts are still showing up as bitty fonts for my titles...I've yet to figure out Kevin & Amanda's trick on that one.  :)  All things considered I'm thrilled with the results! 


Getting Crafty...have you ever noticed most of my status messages lately say I'm getting Crafty?  Well my Happy Readers I have!  I finally gone & done it.  It started with wanting to learn more about interactive cards so I went on UTube (Garsh I wished I were a Utube Sensation!) and I learned how to make my first ever waterfall card!  "Splendid" did you say?  I thought so too....Here is some pix I did of my first waterfall card ever.

Now That was Fun!!! - You can see how when you pull out the tag the different squares I utilized in creating this wonderful waterfall card.  Too Cute!!!

So next on my list was to get my Team Card Swaps Completed before TODAY!

This one is a mix of Pear, Gypsy, "Olivia" B&T, with some Bleaching Technique Taught By: Tresa Black on her Fabulously Artsy Tutorial (For the Skull Teeth).

However, The next card was so totally inspired by CU-OL with Sheila Bennett!

There are 2 parts to her tutorial in CU-OL & you can reference them anytime...Just click her name above to create a Pinwhell card of your very own!

Now...On to the Flowers!!! Of course I've got a crafty habit of using our delicious new exclusive colors palette in creating these flowers...Of course I used UTube again!  I'm thinking I should do a tutorial on my Ustream on these for my team, Thoughts?

These are my Delcious Flowers & You can tell which ones I utilized all 8 new colors in!  How Delightful.  The one thing I love about these are that they are simply Divine. F.S.E!

Here are a few more & think you can spot the one with the questions?

Well That's It for Today...I have a couple other contributions to post however, I'm waiting very patiently for Make It From Your Heart to end in order to display them.  I sure hope you've had fun looking at my latest Facelift & Creatique Creationz!  

On A Personal note...Things in my life are extremely hectic lately so my deepest apologies for not having all of these treats to share for you.  I'm so vamped about CU-OL that I'm ready to tackle my krafty block with these amazing new colors & do a Canvas of my own! I will also get to those adding of pages that I need to do at the top bar as well.  So I'm certainly in a Portrait of Progress with this whole thing and my deepest appreciation for all who contribute to my inspiration everyday.  

HUGS & LOVE!!!

Summer Is Here So Are Loads of New Ideas!!!

I have been slowly moving my Home Studio and starting to get a bit more organized with the updates.  I appreciate so deeply all of the support and encouragement I've received during this moving process.  There is so much to do and I'm thrilled to bring you a preview of all the happenings for this summer in this slideshow!  
1.  We just moved and along with the move I attempted to re-direct my blog readers to a stand alone domain.  This move however did not go as smoothly.  So http://CreatiqueInnovationz.blogspot.com is the actual blog site you will want to utilize until further notice.
2. Each Photo in the slideshow demonstrates the exclusive Close To My Heart product line launch for Summer 2010 Idea Book.  I also strongly encourage trying out your hand at StudioJ.  You can click on the link to the top right side of my blog to take you right there. :)  Happy Creating!
3.  Starting in June I will be uploading photos and pictures and providing blog candy for my readers and followers alike.  I've found that I have an inventory of exclusive never to see again Close To My Heart products that I would LOVE to send your way!  So keep a watch out for this incredible opportunity to get your hands on some products by following these different links and participating for blog candy CTMH products: (Must comment on my posting for these challenges and post photos to participate)
Color-Me-Mondays Color Swatch Challenges from Jeanette Lynton CEO of Close To My Heart!
Close To My Heart Stamp of the Month Consultant Blog Hop: Start here with Helen Onulak: 
Heart 2 Heart - Exclusive Close To My Heart products use & incredible design team packed with Ideas!
Art & Soul Monthly Webisodes
Facebook Close To My Heart Fan Page...This one is a biggy the moment we hit 15,000 Fans the first 100 orders placed on any Close To My Heart's exclusive web-site will receive a special gift.


How fun and exciting it is to see so many artistic fellow CTMH Fans participating.  I hope you enjoy the Summer month preview of what I have to offer and I look forward to seeing you soon!

New Year - Exciting Things To Share!!!

I Love being a Close To My Heart Independent Consultant.  Each new quarter brings New & exciting things to share with my Followers, Customers, Family & Friends.  I always post the slideshow to view under My Story link within my web-site.  However, why not post this to my Blog too?  I mean honestly most of those that follow me know me already & Those that are NEW to Creatique Innovationz can at times find inspiration in some of the artwork I create or even in the plethora of projects that our Incredible Art Department create for the launch of the new product line features.
This time I wanted to incorporate the offerings of our Exclusive Party Hostess Collections, Petite Perks that can be earned in a variety of ways, Artwork from our Incredible Art Department featuring the new 4 Exclusive paperpacks...& last but not the least the incredible New Consultant Kit for Joining Team Creatique Innovationz with an option to view the Scrapbooking & Cardmaking Bonus Options.  Because I LOVE Close To My Heart so much...this time I made sure to put Hearts all around the gorgeous slideshow...There is nothing I love more than the hard dedicated work that all of the team and department members put into helping my business become successful.  My Heartfelt Thank You Close To My Heart!

Christmas & December 2009!

This was a very difficult month for me... well the term "Agoraphobic" can only describe what I'm personally going through.  I have felt such an overwhelming since of being "lost" & literally panic at the thought of getting into my car & going anywhere.  With the whole wide-world at my fingertips I find I crawl into the walls of the info-highway much safer than the "real" world lately.  It is a story that is time to share.  Just because I constantly hear "Nichole You can do it!" or "Nichole, We Miss YOU!" or "Nichole, it is easy just get up & motivate." - While all of these calls, letters, messages, e-mails, cards, letters...& the like keep pouring in.  I find myself drawing more inwards.  
  Yes it is very hard to believe considering how extremely out-going I am & How Blessed I have been through-out my life.  I can't explain it & I have no answers for what has happened.  In fact I try to mule through my mind many a times where & when it all started to happen.  The issues with my breasts did not help matters...being torn in 20 different directions perhaps or the fact that it is time to admit to the world "I CAN NOT DO IT ALL" is probably more in order.  I know I'm not the only one who has felt this way.  

  In fact...it is crippling, trying, exhausting, & most of all....it affects all those that I love deeply around me.  All I can say is that time will heal whatever started this spiral of desolation I've imposed upon myself. However, I thought it important to share because despite How Easy it can be for some...it is not so easy when put into these shoes to wear. Now I understand what others go through more so now than ever.  Being dubbed a Self Proclaimed "Survivor" in which I am if only my entire story were to be told.  I would think that I could just pick-up & go like normal, as I always have.  Maybe it is the Holiday Blues, or Missing my Family terribly.  Whatever, that reason is that I find and repair...be rest assured all will know when I'm back! :O)

  My Slideshow was probably not the appropriate place to put this but figured it would have the attention it deserved in understanding my world as I live in currently.  Having that said without further ado...
  We had our first snowfall that actually stuck to the ground.  Kaedyn had her Christmas Program, Alec registered for Basketball, I created a "Veranda" card playgroup for January & Random family pics of the Holiday...that about sums it up.  I really do look forward to using the best medicine I have & that is Close To My Heart.  When I create I find I'm in an entirely different world with inspirational CTMH Sisters.  It is something that pulled me from an abyss before & without question saved my life.  I'm quite sure as I pour over my new Idea Book pages...it renews that sense of belonging with my fellow sisters here & abroad fighting for our freedoms.  I LOVE YOU ALL!!!   

Happy Birthday Princess Kaedyn!!!

6 years ago today at 2:36pm I gave life to my precious princess...She has touched my heart, soul, and taught me a great deal of how to love all of God's children. One of my miracle blessings that I'm honored to share on her incredible day! It is impossible to not feel the magic of Disney in our home daily. As she will always be a an inspiration and fill my heart with the deepest gratitude. Happy 6th Birthday my little angel. Were so proud of You and your gift to love, share in your words of prayer for all of humanity. She is just a normal 6 year old who goes to a Christian school and loves to sing, dance, and learn. Her heart is kind, generous, and innocent. You elevate my imagination my sweet Kaedyn...Keep dreaming baby gurl!

It has been many years since I played around with photo graphics and with a few clicks of a button I was able to create a story of all her favorite princesses she likes to imitate. Everyone of her princess gowns are original Disney. She also has Sleeping Beauty which will be added to this post after Halloween. The joy it will be to be able to scrapbook these memories in her very own Princess "Hollyhock" album.

Football Season Has Begun!

Alec has played football for the last 3 years. To our surprise it is one sport of the many that he does that he enjoys the most. The best part is this year he is actually playing for his school team.

Rightfully he worked hard to earn a spot on the Varsity team. Above all else he understands and acknowledges the important ingredients of being in such a special position as he is above all else a "STUDENT" - "Athlete"... With that said he knows he has to maintain his grades in order to participate. That means no missing assignments. We are so very proud of him and I can not wait to scrapbook his football season in whole - after Wrestling starts. :)

Among his 8th grade desires in sports as in previous years, Alec will also be on the Wrestling, Snowboard, Basketball, and Track & Field Teams for the Eagle Colts. He is quite the lil sports monster and rightfully earns every bit as he is above all else a team player, has incredible sportsmanship, participates in his community, very active in church and has many duties to his scouts as well. So his commitments ride out everyday of the week and we all support his tireless efforts. Plus he gives us many memories to scrap and share for his future generations. We are very proud of you SON!!!

Back To School :) Yipee!!!

I Love back to school day...of course Kaedyn does too. This year she will be attending Kindergarten again with Little Miracles Kindergarten. She has attended this school for 3 years now and we have enjoyed every moment of it. The decision was in her best interest to reattend with an incredible addition to their programs. The best of all is that she now is split in her class with 1/2 girls & 1/2 boys. In her previous year she happen to be one of the two girls in attendance the whole year through. So yes...with that came picking noses, doing lil boy things...but she has got a lil flair back to her "Princess" style. We are very excited about her new venture.


Alec went off to school this morning without a few minor hitches...What do we do with teenagers? So I did not get first day of school photos of Alec like our tradition stands but if ya coulda seen what he intended to wear, then a 20 min debate over it...well anyhow. I will be updating with some photos of him and his new doo soon. We are very proud of Alec and his new schedule and all of the activities he is participating in. He has already started Football practice a couple weeks ago. He has his first game this Thursday. Most know that along with his sports schedules: Football, Wrestling, Snowboard Team, Newspaper/Yearbook, Basketball, & Track & Field...we keep pretty busy throughout the year. Many photos to come.

Were very proud of both our lil treasures and I'm doing the happy dance because now I have at least 6 hours a day to dedicate to what I would love to call my "Creative Therapy" Time. WhooHoo. So along with more blog updates you will also be viewing more photo reals of my latest inspirations and some new ideas implemented.

Excited About StudioJ!!!

I really have tried to contain my excitement about Close To My Hearts news release for "StudioJ" that was announced during our Leadership Conference in Long Beach, CA. I failed to place this into my monthly newsletter this month waiting until September 1st to publish all about StudioJ, which is our new "Studio" line that will launch in May of 2010!

This is our newest FREE online design software that will help you to preserve your favorite photos and memories in minutes that will come delivered in custom-printed two-page layouts ready for their new home in you're cherished legacy albums. This is exciting news for everyone! This is a new addition to our "Classic" scrapbooking line. The best thing is that I can now preserve all those digital photos I have! Trust me I have thousands of them waiting for a home in my legacy albums.

I'm just so excited and thrilled that we continue to lead the industry in preserving memories faster, simpler & easier. I truly have the best of both worlds with our "Classic" line that I create pages with those photos that are already printed and the "Studio" line that I can catch up on the photos I don't have printed yet! What I think is more incredible is that being able to use the "Studio" line will allow me to add ribbon, stamp my titles and still create journaling in my own handwriting by leaving those spaces blank when I finish creating them with the FREE design software. So I have endless options to choose from by incorporating "Classic" & "Studio" scrapbooking together. Isn't that just the neatest thing?

Without further ado please take a moment

to learn more about StudioJ by visiting:

www.STUDIOJ.com

Real life. Real Scrapbooks. Real time.

You can also view Jeanette Lynton's Blog about StudioJ!

View Samples & Prepared To Be Amazed.

The photos above were a surprise visit to our very own Close To My Heart headquarters, on a quite Saturday afternoon with breathtaking views and moments we shared together. Kaedyn our 5 yr. old took the photo with Kip & I in it, with our digital camera. She did such a wonderful job. I see a possible future photographer in the family! I can not wait to scrapbook these in our "Classic" style as I could not contain printing them. Just imagine how they will look in our new "Studio" lay-outs options.