Answers to Your Burning Questions, Round 1!

I have had so much fun reading your questions to me posted over the past week! I can’t wait to answer them all—it may take me a few weeks, but I’ll certainly endeavor to answer them all. Here’s a good start on some!

Karen G asked what my favorite scent is. What a unique question! It has an easy answer: I adore the scent of the first sprinkles of summer rain right when they hit hot pavement. That first, fat splash kicks up an earth-mixed-with-sky smell that reminds me of barefoot childhood. I anticipate the clap of thunder and the downpour about to happen—exhilarating!

Keeley Kirwan asked whether Close To My Heart has plans to expand overseas. Let me tell you Keeley, I often say that we have only scratched the surface of what’s possible with this company and its great Consultants! We have much great work to do in the United States and Canada, and I’m committed to supporting these existing markets with full focus. That said, I agree that the rest of the world needs Close To My Heart—I’ve always said it’s not a matter of “if” but “when.”

Both Becky G and “Stamp til Dawn” recently received Kindles and asked about favorite books I’ve recently read. I’ve completely enjoyed “The Help,” about the unique relationships between black domestics and their white charges back in the ‘60s. I learned so much from this book! I loved the beautifully portrayed friendships, the wonderful cooking (I’d love Minnie’s caramel cake recipe!), and the heartache families endured during this time of great inequality and strife. It uplifted me and motivated me to reach out to others with love and non-judgment.

On a completely different tack, I also really loved Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games,” which I know is a huge fave of many. This page turner kept me breathless the entire time I read it. Following teenagers’ quest for survival in a game created by a dystopian society, I fell in love with the courageous and plucky protagonist, Katniss. Fun, smart, compelling. A must read, in my book! :)

Casandra asked what my expectations were when I was just starting out. Did I know the business would be big? Easy answer: Yes. I always knew that the business was something special, right from the start. When it was just me and my two small children, living in a tiny duplex and making our way month to month, I would literally dream at night about the future of the company—I could envision huge Conventions full of excited Consultants, large warehouses packed with stamp sets, and a gorgeous catalog with artwork galore. That faith and those early dreams gave me the stamina to keep going whenever the going got tough!

Now, Margi, your questions just made me giggle. You asked whether I ever had a schoolgirl crush. Of course I did! I was all about Donny Osmond as a pre-teen, although I’ll admit that David Cassidy and Davy Jones from the Monkees also took their turns in my heart. What is it about a cute guy with feathered hair who can sing??

 

Margi also wanted to know what my favorite movie is—here, I know I’m in good company. I just love the A&E version of “Pride and Prejudice.” Yes, the Colin Firth version. All those manners, diplomacy, and regency era outfits. ‘nuff said. I also love the movies we used to watch as a family when I was a kid—you know, the “special” ones that came on TV once a year like “Wizard of Oz” and “The 10 Commandments.”

AaronB said she loved My Little Pony dolls as a child and asked about my favorite childhood toys. There are a few standouts from different eras in my childhood: as a young girl, I loved my Chatty Cathy doll (does anyone remember those?). When I became a pre-teen, I just loved those bendable Gumby-still figures and those crazy-haired troll dolls.

 












Tricia asked whether I ever scrapbook using products from companies other than Close To My Heart. Not surprisingly, I regularly receive samples from vendors or gifts or items from a variety of companies. I always try them out—it’s like tasting food your hostess has prepared; you don’t want to be rude, and it’s good to know what’s out there—and invariably I always think, “Wow, I really like Close To My Heart so much better.” I know I’m biased, but I love the variety, the diversity, and yet the terrific coordination Close To My Heart products offer. And yes, I love flipping through the pages of our own idea book for inspiration—our studio of in-house artists are fabulous and give me plenty of creative ideas I might not think of on my own, so I love to scraplift from our own idea book! Right now, I’m into creating clusters with a variety of eclectic media—I love mixing buttons, metals, ribbons, and stamped art for a unique, boho look. There’s really no wrong way to do it (thank goodness!)

Gail Blask asked how we choose which months to put certain Stamps of the Month in. Truthfully, it’s a pretty organic process where we look at sales trends, what type of stamp set we offered in the same month in the previous year, and what the other Stamps of the Month in a given idea book look like. Although we often aim to release a themed set two months before it “fits” (such as releasing a Santa-themed set in October), that isn’t always the case. We find that cardmakers tend to create before a holiday, and scrapbookers tend to create after, so we mix it up a little from time to time.

And the last question I’ll field in today’s batch comes from Sherry Day who wonders how frequently I have spa treatments. I will admit that I do LOVE a good spa treatment and it’s one of my favorite ways to reward myself or to wind down after a long and busy week. In terms of frequency, I have manicures and pedicures typically twice a month, just to keep the nails in line and looking good. I also typically have one to two massage treatments per week. I’ve learned that I’m a person who shoals up stress in my shoulders and back, and a deep massage helps me work out those kinks to stay limber and relaxed. And I hope this post has helped you relax and resolve to read some good books, watch some great movies, and reward yourself for all the great work you do!