I am Home from CTMH Convention! (in more ways than one)


Now that I am back from convention everyone is asking me how was it?
Ummmmm…do you have all day? Probably not, so I will try to make a short recap.

I will start with this cool sign I saw walking through LAX Airport. If the supposed “Carmagedon” wasn’t bad enough, the airport was under construction.  Rather than thinking how inconvenienced I was as a first time visitor, I was really inspired by the message. Instead of saying “hey, we’re sorry and we know this sucks”, they let their vision and purpose be known. 
I thought this would be a great theme for my team retreat.  I also said a silent prayer that I would feel all of these things after convention.  I have been in a bit of a transitional stage as my best customers have become my best friends and team members.  So, this has changed the dynamic of my business. In a wonderful way of course!

When we walked into your room and saw these adorable rommie gifts from Melissa we knew it was going to be a great week.  Not only that, but to walk into a room with a bed made was a great indicator as well.(grin)

When Tracey joined us she gave us this adorabl mini album. Trust me when I say, the gifts kept coming.

I went on to spend an entire week with some of the nicest, most caring, fun and crazy girls I know.  It is so refreshing to have friends who truly accept you and love you unconditionally.  I know to find that is a rare treasure so I don’t take it lightly.  I also treasure the new people I met.  I just love hearing everyone’s stories. They are all in the CTMH family for different reasons. Some do it just so they can do a hobby they love at a discount AND get to to play and party at convention every year. Who wouldn’t want that?

The next day we all hung out by the pool, (this is where the unconditional friend part comes in hee hee) and got caught up on life in general.   
After a relaxing afternoon we walked right out our door and into Downtown Disney.  We celebrated being together by indulging in some yummy drinks and a mean guacamole courtesy of Gloria at Tortilla Jos



Melissa, Trudy, Tracey and Me.

The weather was fabulous.  We were pleasantly surprised with upper 60’s and 70’s.  We continued to walk towards Disneyland to see the fireworks. As it turned out you could pretty much see them every night from everywhere.

 
The next day was Leadership Day.  Managers and above spent the day getting the nuts and bolts of new programs and improved products.  I love to learn, so I took a ton of notes.  I was really proud of Melissa when she presented her topic.  Just like a proud mama I was so happy watching her that I forgot to take a picture.  OOPS!  We also had a swanky lunch and a super cute create and take with a brand new stamp set, Love Life. Love it!!
By evening the rest of Melissa’s team arrived.  So, we went to the park and ran around like little kids! The rides were so fun. Except for Space Mountain. Trudy brought up a good point. Why don’t they serve Gingerale at an amusement park?
 It’s really interesting how waiting in line talking and laughing with your friends makes the time go by much faster than when you are with your family. I’m just sayin’.  Disney was amazing and it was hard to beleive that we still had the whole convention in front of us.
When I entered the Grand Ballroom for our General Session and saw this on the screen I knew there were great things in front of us.
This was the scene on Day 1. Picture 1200 consultants anxiously awaiting the BIG announcment. With this backdrop how could it not be
mystical and magical? 



We had all the excitement and anticipation of a child on Christmas morning.  We knew what we had put on our wish lists, but just couldn’t wait to open the presents to see what we would get!

Drum roll please….
What a grand enterance! Mickey escorted our fabulous founder and leader, Jeanette Lynton onto the stage.
We were treated to a Disney show opening.  When Cinderella came out we all sighed like 5 yr old girls.  It was incredibly magical. Why does Disney make you all emotional?
Our NEW mission statement was revealed.  I love it.
Our VP’s acted out several skits to reveal new information.  As they opened our presents one at a time it became quite eveident,
they work hard and they play hard. What a comical group!
All the announcements were so exciting and we pretty much did get
everything on our list!
Starting with lower stamp set prices! WHAT? in this economy?
Yes, it’s true! Bginning Aug 1st when the new Idea Book goes LIVE
you will see
A-size is only $6.95
B-size set is only $9.95
C-size is only $13.95
D-size set is a remarkable $17.95
Don’t forget the E-size; it’s $29.95. Same great product, new lower price! What a deal!
 Fun Accesories
 New paper lines – the smartest thing is the zip strip that you remove is printed on one side so you can use it as a border. No more hiding CTMH on your printed paper!
Thicker cardstock weight paper- double sided and stunning!
MORE TOYS!!!  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
Then the BIG DADDY OF THEM ALL!
our partnership with Cricut!!
Cricut Die Cuts+ CTMH Stamps=  A Crafter’s Heaven!
But wait! It Gets Better!

 

             It’s a whole bundle for only $99!  It has a retail value of $120.

Great Discount
Exclusive Stamp Sets that coordinate PERFECTLY!!
Basic things you need
Advanced options you crave.
 The cartridge includes
Exclusive Alphabet
3-D items
6 different features
700 images +46 sizes each= 32,200 possibilities!!

(I had to make that big, you know how I LOVE my Cricut. I can finally come out of the Cricut Closet and tell the whole world!!!!!)
Oh, and an apology to Trudy. I am sorry I was grabbing on to your arm so hard. When you see those bruises, know they come from a place of love!! I had to do something to keep myself from falling off my chair!
You can order it now as a consultant or Aug 1 as a customer.Once that excitement died down, for like a minute, it was the final reveal.  What better way to end it than have the Idea Book presented by a real Prince Charming, Jeanette’s husband, David.

Finally, upon leaving the ballroom they handed each of us the most adorable patterned bag with the new Idea Book inside.  Everyone headed down the stairs to lunch.  I didn’t get that far.
I  just flopped down on the floor with Trudy.
You know I am not very patient!
They even took a picture of us and put it on the CTMH Facebook Page.
If you like thier page, you can see right on the wall.  TOO FUNNY!!!
It was really hard to get a good shot because we were so excited!!
The whole time was amazing.  Over the next few days it was quite evident through our business classes, Extravagana and creative sessions that CTMH listened to their customers and consultants.  CTMH have almost completely reinvnted themselves.   New products and new programs guaranteed to make our crafting faster. simpler. easier. 
We celebrated with an awards night.   Melissa’s team member and my good friend, Tracey won the Rising Star Award. We were all so happy for her
 and Melissa.
The dinner was delicious and I was so excited that another team member, Shirley joined us.  So, I can’t wait to see who joins us next year. Maybe you? 
Although I have a lot more to share, I will end this here.
After such a fulfilling week that helped me grow professionally and personally I saw that sign on my way back through the airport.

It just made me smile. I knew my prayer had been answered. Not only did I  feel all of those things and more, I knew without a doubt,
I had found my home with CTMH. 

If you want to feel all these same things, then join us! 
Sign up with Close to my Heart and sign on to a life filled with friends, fun and many blessings.  It’s only $99 to get the newest consultant kit right now. That’s such a little investment compared to the reward. 
If you have any questions,
 I would love to chat with you and help you find your place in our family.

Welcome Home!!!

 
Blessings-
Sarita