Look what is coming! Soft Chalks line has been updated in the new Spring 2009 Idea Book. As part of our regular product updates, we have discontinued the current Spring Soft Chalks (Z364) and replaced them with new Spring Soft Chalks (Z902) containing our four newest exclusive colors. These new chalks are now available to customers on www.Amanda.MyCTMH website.

The three remaining palettes of chalks found in the Autumn/Winter 2008 Idea Book (Summer Z365, Autumn Z366, and Winter Z367) will be available while supplies last. They will then be replaced by the palettes found in the Spring 2009 Idea Book (Summer Z903, Autumn Z904, and Winter Z905). I will let you know if anything changes.

Recently, many companies in the industry have posted earnings losses, or even worse, filed for bankruptcy protection. We recognize that many are wondering how Close To My Heart is faring during the current economic uncertainty. The answer is simple: Close To My Heart is strong, stable, and in a healthy financial position—for a number of reasons, specifically:

• Our products are unique and innovative. Our core product lines are produced in our manufacturing facility; we own our stamp production technology and produce “just in time” inventory to manage costs and quality effectively.

• We have strong recruiting. Recruiting often rises during economic slowdowns, as people turn to direct sales to supplement income. Close To My Heart offers a fabulous income opportunity and we have seen record numbers of recruits this year.  (this could be you)

• We are financially independent. Close To My Heart is not owned by a conglomerate, nor subsidized by investors or creditors. This freedom ensures we make decisions that are right for the health and future of the company—by choosing to grow “organically” rather than artificially fast, we are building the best scrapbooking company, not merely the biggest.

• We are focused on what matters to customers. As consumers plan their spending more carefully, they re-evaluate priorities for their time, money, and effort. Scrapbooking has always been a great value for the dollar, but it becomes even more important as customers return to the “basics” and strive to spend time closer to home and family. As we continue to teach customers how to celebrate their important relationships, our ownership position in the market will continue to grow.

For more insights on Close To My Heart’s business strength from Jeanette Lynton’s point of view, we encourage you to visit her blog post of November 19, at jeanettelynton.com. We thank you for your passion and efforts which are making Close To My Heart a great legacy company.

Wow can you believe we are in December already. My husband was looking for the Christmas cards we made last year and never sent. He found them. I hope we get them out right away! Well, what has been going on here? Lots of things it seems like:

• Book fair is planned, done (7 days at school) and $ counted
• Working on Swim meet things (first meet is in 18 days)
• We went to the Dells for Thanksgiving, we had a blast
• We had a run of the flu in our house, it was like dominos falling (short lived)
• Christmas Tree is up!
• Major gift buying is done! (mostly on-line)

So on we go. We just keep moving forward.

Well today was full of enjoyment for me, I spent the morning working on the swim team fundraiser, Manna.  From there I was off to a bookfair meeting and then to work in the resource center at school.  Trent had art today.

The big thing was I started back a weight watchers this evening, yes my weight is up from where I was back in the mid-spring, I want to get back to there and then some!  So, I have my work cut out for me.  But I can do and will do it!