Under Construction...

Wow...has it really been that long since I've posted.  So much going on in my Northeast Ohio Corner of the World.  First, another Arctic Vortex makes me long for SPRING....29 days for those counting :)

Here's a little something to make you smile.  If you have kids you've probably seen Frozen.  I thought it was a really well done movie and the music is contagious...seriously try watching without singing....IMPOSSIBLE!!!!  Just sayin'!

Well, my house has been under construction for 4+ weeks now....getting so close to being done and with that it brings a lot of SPRING CLEANING but the added space is much needed.  And, I cannot wait to get my New Craft Studio in order.  Really, that alone gives me goosebumps!  You crafter's know what I mean!  In the meantime, we've been busy with school, snow days, gymnastics meets & practices, scouts and seasonal ailments....the later of which I could do without, but hey, I live in OHIO!  And as much as I say I want to move south...I would really miss our four seasons and the beauty of our area.

During my hiatus I have been praying and planning a few changes and I cannot wait to share them with you over the next few weeks.  I am redesigning my BLOG, Hints Of Happiness With Donna, embarking on a new adventure and focusing on my Home and Family.  This is a New Season for me and I am waiting to see how God pulls this all together!  Without my Savior Jesus Christ I wouldn't be anything!  In HIM, I am a New Creation and He is my Rock & my Strength.

Blessings to you and Happy Creating!

Home Cooking...

So this year I'm trying to be more conscientious about menu planning and eating at home.  So far so good.  We've eaten out once and that was when we were out of town, not bad considering we're on day 10... I have to say I'm pleased.  Okay my picky eaters not so much considering Mom always caved and picked up drive thru for them several times a week.  Well this year I'm going with a try it or make yourself some toast or cereal :)

This week i tried this Chicken Tetrazzini recipe over at Lil Luna.  I have to say it was a hit even with my pickiest one.  Served with a side of garlic bread and dinner was done.  The only modification I made was adding some Paprika and Parsley to the sauce mixture.  Yummy!  Hope your family enjoys this as much as mine...Bon Appetite!

As always, there are "Hints Of Happiness" all around us.

Happy Creating!

This Moment...

Here we are beginning 2015 and seems like everyone is full steam ahead with plans for the new year.  I hear of resolutions, organizing, fitness plans, meal plan and more!  There is a lot of activity going on and Did you know its National Papercrafting Month?  Sure is! January is dedicated to my favorite pass time "Papercrafting". To CELEBRATE, Close To My Heart is offering several promotions this month.  First, want to get FREE CTMH products?  Consider hosting a gathering for you and a couple of your friends.  You can make a really cute project with me and earn FREE Products!  For this month ONLY they are offering up to 50% more Hostess Rewards on Gatherings over $350. 

For National Papercrafting Month CTMH is offering the Noted Paper Kit including a stamp set, stickers, cardstock and B&T Duos papers to chronicle your year like a "Time Capsule" This is being offered at $5 with a qualifying $50 purchase.  Oh but there's a second option that includes a My Creations Kraft Mini Album plus the Noted Paper Kit with everything listed above  for only $10.


Lastly, we have our ever popular Stamp Of The Month.  Layer your SAVINGS by adding the Size D Stamp Set "This Moment" for $5  with the same $50 qualifying order you placed to get the SPECIAL for National Papercrafting Month.  A perfect pairing setting you up for a year of Papercrafting goodness!

If you've been on Pinterest this week I'm sure you seen some of the featured artwork of my fellow CTMH Consultants.  Lots of GREAT Inspiration to be found using this stamp set. Including these two FUN projects below from Close To My Heart's Corporate Design Team.

For Complete Details on Any Of January's Promotions visit my website.  You can also view our current Idea Book Annual Inspirations and the Seasonal Expressions 1 Idea Book featuring many GREAT Spring Colors & Designs.

Thanks for Stopping by and Happy Stamping!

Happy New Years Eve...

Wow - 2014 has flown by!  Over the past few days I've been reflecting on the year and like most it's been a roller coaster...some ups, some downs and lots of every day stuff :) I'm always amazed to look back and see how God has used the year to help me grow.  So, here's a quick look back...

Early in the year i had my Simple Pleasures Papercrafting Adventure to Pennsylvania where I met some Fantastic women who share my love of Papercrafting.

During the year I had the opportunity to try new products and techniques.  Use Good Quality Products from Close To My Heart and make some FUN projects along the way!  Remember I like to make Pretty Things :)

 

We enjoyed family gatherings, scouting adventures, camping and we started Middle School this past Fall...kids were way more ready than Mom!

All in all I have to say it was a Blessed year!

May your New Year be filled with "Hints Of Happiness"

Blessings are all around if you take the time to slow down and observe your surroundings.  Time is a precious gift and life will have ripples but there is always a calm after any storm.

Thanks for stopping by my blog this year.  I look forward to sharing new products, projects, tips and musings in 2015!

Relationships...

Funny how time slips through our fingers like grains of sand, effortlessly and quickly!  Here we are just days away from Thanksgiving, and yet media and stores surround us with thoughts of Christmas.  We've yet to give thanks and reflect with our families and friends around the Thanksgiving table before we jump onto the next thing.

I too am guilty!  It's been nearly two months since I've posted and I believe I've lost all track of time.  I haven't accomplished much personally and just seem to run, run, run.  I almost wish I could STOP time but we all know that is not in our hands.  I long for a time when the pace of life was slower and relationships were stronger.  God created us to be in community and yet with all the conveniences of today...we have less time.  I often reflect back and think of my youth and camping, those are some of my best memories.  Just being, enjoying one day at a time without the interrupions of life.  Even today that sounds far fetched as we need rest from vacations because we've crammed as much activity as possible into our week away.

So how does one find a "Hint of Happiness" in our daily lives?  Slow down and look around you.  Put the electronics away and absorb your surroundings.  God created much beauty around us and put people in our lives to share those moments and yet we're so busy we don't even notice.  When's the last time you caught up with a friend...not texted.  How about the last time you caught up with family....not on Facebook.  Or took the time to sit down and share a family meal...not take out.  Play a board game, read a book, take a walk?  UNPLUG and CONNECT!  Life is short, be intentional with your relationships before its to late!

As we approach Thanksgiving, really take stock of your life.  We all move through Seasons of Life.  Where are you?  Who can you reconnect with?  You might just be surprised at what you have and where you are.  "Hints of Happiness" really are all around, its just you have to STOP every once in a while and take stock.  Give Thanks and Begin Each Day with a Greatful heart!

Blessings!

Happy World Cardmaking Day...

Celebrate World Cardmaking Day by getting Crafty!

Close To My Heart offers a wide array of products for all your Cardmaking needs including our latest Cricut Collection "Artfully Sent".  This new collection features pop-ups, sentiments, scenes and pockets to name a few and it comes with three size-D stamp sets and white daisy cardstock.   Everything you need to start creating unique one of a kind cards.

Need a little inspiration?  Check out these ideas from around the web featuring Artfully Sent plus CTMHs new My Reflections Scaredy Cat and Pathfinding papers.

To view Close To My Heart's Annual Inspirations Idea Book or to order please visit me at donnalong.ctmh.com.  Interested in learning to Papercraft and make Handmade Creations check out my upcoming Workshops.

Happy Creating!

#30yearsofhappy

Have you seen this hashtag floating around Pinterest or Facebook?  Wonder what all the hype is about?  Close To MyHeart is Celebrating 30 Years!  To celebrate you can receive the #30yearsofhappy Stamp Set FREE with a qualifying $30 purchase.

Need a little more Inspiration?  Check out these projects I found on the web from other CTMH consultants.

Don't delay offer good through September 30, 2014.  Visit my website for details or to place your order today!  donnalong.ctmh.com

Happy Creating!