Confessions of an Ex-Scrapbooker #33 - Video #2 Cherish Bound Books!

Video #2 is here! Watch this video to see different types of books, styles, and options with Cherish Bound's growing book options and designs!!

Confessions of an Ex-Scrapbooker #32: My First Video!

Finally....my first Cherish Bound video is done! This video is a little glimpse into my Cherish Bound world...What it is, the process, and how you start! It's my first video EVER so don't laugh! Stay tuned for the next video where I show you my favorite books and what the final product looks like!!!

Also, Click here to go to my new Cherish Bound Story Store!!!

Winner of the Cherish Bound Business Giveaway is....

Well, after 80+ entries the winner of the Cherish Bound Business Kit giveaway was selected by random draw....and the winner is....

Lolli from Life is Sweet!!!

Congrats Lolli girl!!! So excited for you....I was crossing my fingers for ALL of you. I'm so excited to work with ALL of you. Remember, everyone wins in this giveaway. If you entered the original giveaway please contact me at tarabrown at cherishbound dot com. I'm also going to be contacting everyone as well via email and blogs tonight and tomorrow so I can get you the updated information about starting your new Cherish Bound business because EVERYONE wins in this giveaway!!!

For those of you who entered the giveaway, please email me your contact info ASAP so I can get your starter kits in the mail by the end of the week first of next week. I want to start a series of conference calls by next week so we can "meet" and get all 50 of you on your way to Cherish Bound success! I'm so excited about what is in store for you and can't wait to share everything with you.

Thank you everyone!

LUCKY DAY! Business Giveaway UPDATED!

Many of you have entered HERE to win a Business...a Cherish Bound Business! Well, ladies today is Your LUCKY DAY!!!! Wanna know why???

Our president and Co-founder, Carol Rice, read through your comments and realized that every single one of you would make our company better, and you all deserve the chance to have the Cherish Bound opportunity and make your life better!!!! Somebody Pinch me! I'm Serious!

So....Even if you don't win the $99 Kit, everyone who comments by March 20, 2009 @ 11:59 pm will become Honorary Cherish Bound consultants FOR FREE with the same benefits and rewards as all consultants...just as if you signed up the traditional way with a purchase of a kit!! Instead of having to buy a kit, you'll receive one Story Starter of your choice, a Cherish Bound DVD, a catalog, business materials, and ME.... FOR FREE!!!!

I'm so excited!!! I'm so happy for every single one of you who has poured your heart out to me!!! You have no idea what is about to happen and how this opportunity will change your life! So please go...

HERE

and enter if you haven't....if you already can you please leave me another comment with your email or email me tarabrown at cherishbound dot come and let me know you saw this update and you're ready to join me!

Breaking News: I'm Giving Away a Business!

UPDATED 3-17-09!!!!!!

BREAKING NEWS!

I'm giving away a business! Who wants it?

Many of you know I have a business that has something to do something with books... and stories...and memories...

I'm a National Founding Leader for Cherish Bound. An amazing direct sales company founded 5 years ago by 2 amazing people with a vision for traditions, stories, and families. Outside of my family, Cherish Bound is my passion and my life. I've been waking up for four and a half years thanking God for this amazing opportunity. I find myself thinking, "Is this for real? Can I really be so lucky...so blessed to have this opportunity?" Yep! It's for real.

I want to share this opportunity with all of you....So here's the scoop!

Basically, we know we have a good thing going here at CherishBound and would love for more people to know about us. We receive great feedback from our customers about how preserving memories and paying attention to the story has changed their lives and improved family communications. We want to help more people, especially during these hard times... so we are looking to add 400 people to our team in the next couple of months.

Won't you join us?

I'll tell you a few of the reasons why I decided to join Cherish Bound:

• I wanted to be home with my kids
• I wanted to work for MYSELF!
• I love photos and stories. I realized I could organize my stuff like I never could have with scrapbooking (and for those that have never done anything at all you'll luv this even MORE!)
• I wanted to find a group of women...powerful, passionate, women to surround myself with and become friends with.
• My passion for being a teacher was put on hold, and this became my outlet through the I'm An Author Children's Writing Program...I know I'm making a difference not just for my family and future generations, but for other families in my community.

We're confident you'll fall in love with all that we're doing...with the founders, the other consultants, storytelling and all the ways it will open opportunities for your family. Help us get the word out and ride the wave Cherish Bound is creating!

Drum roll please.....

• I'm giving away ONE FREE, no obligation, Cherish Bound business kit!
• $99 kit worth over $250!
• You will be the next Cherish Bound consultant.
• You'll automatically have a 20% discount on all publishing and products.
• You'll have access to Cherish Bound as a consultant, the publishing center and can run your own business.
• Cherish Bound does not have monthly or quarterly financial quotas!
  
• You can choose to run your business as a hobbyist or aspire to be a national leader with me!

Whatever your passion, it's up to you....but I'm giving away a business!

So how do you win a Cherish Bound business...it's easy!

1. Comment about why you want this business! Just tell me what you want out of it...that's easy!
   

For extra entries:

1. Tweet about it!
2. Follow me
3. For 5 extra entries blog about it on your blog!!
   

For those that would LOVE to win this, but do not get picked... You'll get 50% off a business kit if you choose to sign up by March 31! THIS IS EVEN BETTER!!! Everyone who posts a comment on THIS POST that doesn't win will become "Honorary" Cherish Bound consultants FOR FREE!! Yes, you'll be honored in just like ANY OTHER CONSULTANT!!! Just the same as if you won or if you purchased a kit.... And it gets better my friends!!! You'll get one Story Starter of your choice, DVD, catalog and all the business info you'll need to start a business for FREE!!!!! {I can barely breath....I'm so excited!!} Our president and Co-founder, Carol Rice, read through your comments and realized that every single one of you would make our company better, and you all deserve the chance to have the Cherish Bound opportunity!!!! Somebody Pinch me! If you don't win the kit YOU Must email me at tarabrown at cherishbound dot com by March 31, 2009 and let me know that YES, you're ready to join me!!! US residents only. Remember... NO obligation, just see if CB is a fit. The giveaway for the free KIT will end on March 20th 11:59 pm. Winner will be announced Monday here on my blog! PLEASE-PLEASE-PLEASE leave your email if you do not have a profile or blog!

So what do you say?? Wanna join me and start a business??

Confessions of an Ex-Scrapbooker #27 - FREE Photo/Story Book Publishing!

Cherish Bound is so much more than a photo book! You can create books to find, capture and share the stories of your life...As a blogger, I have endless stories and I've found a place to publish them and save forever in the physical form.

You can do so much with Cherish Bound...create books, enjoy amazing products to help you organize your stories and even an opportunity so you can make money from home. We are ramping up for some big things this summer and are looking for fun people to join the Cherish Bound family. You can be a part of the movement we're creating with some great specials and deals going on right now. You won't want to miss out! And who couldn't use a little extra money these days - especially doing something we already all love!

With Cherish Bound you can...

Capture your Story. Using our online publishing tool, you will upload your story text, photos, and scanned images into a book template of your choice. With our ever-growing selection of colors, borders, and fonts, finding the right format for your story is easy. The tool is web-based so you don’t have any software to download or update – all of that is done for you!

Submit your Story. With your book completed you are ready to submit your project to Cherish Bound online. All you do is press the submit button and we take it from there. Your book will be printed and bound using cutting-edge, archival processes and materials. You can order as many copies as you like, whenever you want. Your finished book is digitally stored in their archives indefinitely.

Share your Story. Your completed book will arrive by carrier in approximately 15 business days from date of submission so that you can begin the tradition of sharing story in your family.

Teach others about Story. Cherish Bound is growing. Kind of an "odd" thing to hear given the circumstances of our economy and how this little world of ours is turning. It doesn't surprise me. Many people are finding comfort and joy in our products, the stories that are being shared between family members and friendships that are being created between consultants and customers. It's a beautiful thing...

Many families are struggling, maybe it's your family. Many families just need an extra few hundred dollars a month in order to survive and others need a bit more. Cherish Bound is here to help those families survive this wave and find some comfort.

There are millions of reasons why we're bracing ourselves for this amazing opportunity and we want to extend the invite to all who would like to join in on this dream! If you or someone you know could use a little extra cash, friendships and an opportunity of lifetime...you have found it.

So would you like Free Publishing From Cherish Bound?

I'm looking for people to post about Cherish Bound on their blogs. If you'd like to help out you'll receive $47 in Cherish Bound publishing. Yes, you can publish for FREE just for blogging about Cherish Bound's amazing opportunity. If you'd like to participate, please email me at tarabrown{at}cherishbound{dot}com for detailed information.

And I have one more way for you to help! By adding a special button and posting it on your blog you can earn $10 in publishing for every 10 hits!! So email me for information and the button code and you'll be on your way to publishing your family's stories for FREE!

Confessions of an Ex-Scrapbooker #24

If you know me AT ALL, and you may not, just know that my tone is 100% sincere in every way possible.

Today's a Big Day in the Scrapbooking World.....

I have a very large soft spot for moms, work @ home moms, direct sales moms in particular, and a ZERO tolerance policy for companies that are dishonest. So where am I going with this?? The Creative Memories fiasco!

Over at www.scrapbookupdate.com, Scrap Nancy has been posting and keep us informed. Her posts will help you understand what's really been happening....so I've linked in all her posts here. She has about 4 or 5 very informative posts.

So here's what's happening today.... Click Here!

If you're behind in the story...
Creative Memories filed Chapter 11 a few months back. Hummm...okay, many companies are making changes, "re-structures", etc....but Creative Memories?? I was sort of surprised when I heard the news...but not 100% surprised.

From what I've heard from a VERY VERY good source is that they need a plan to save this company and from everything I have heard, that plan is digital. That claim is supported by their move in their most recent catalog/magazine. The thing is, the digital train has left the station and they just aren't on that train. They may jump on at a station down the tracks, but again, in CM tradition, it's too little, too late. They are jumping on that train with A LOT of baggage, for sure! You dance with the one that brought you. With scrapbook stores closing right and left they have this one window of opportunity to regain their focus and reclaim their spot as leaders in the traditional scrapbooking market.

But will they?

Many CM consultants who are defending Creative Memories, and I respect that, are not being told the ENTIRE truth...And as far as mincing words about WHO is filing for bankruptcy - that is nothing but spin. Creative Memories generates 95% of Antioch's revenues. Using the fact that your "parent company" is the one that has filed for bankruptcy would only comfort those who are uneducated about business - that isn't a good thing and I feel sorry for those who have placed their trust in people who have nothing but self-interest in mind and have proven that time and time again with their business practices. All of their bad decisions are just catching up to them - and those who can, have taken their money and run!

Digital has been around for over 5,6,7+ years now and doing VERY well. They got on too late, leaving behind what they were REALLY good at. They added too many options...they pretty much created a product line that just cannibalized itself. There are people who are NOT interested in digital....and that's 100% perfectly fine. That's why they should have stayed with what they were good at, traditional, and move forward with those trends quicker. They didn't move forward with the changing trends of traditional, but jumped on every other bandwagon way too late. They cannot survive with being a jack of all trades and master of none, which is what has happened.

here's a fact: 45,000 consultants, around 10% promote digital, (anyone who has published at least once in the past year....) do the math?

I'll end with this little tid-bit of info. I also saw this post on a forum....Obviously this person is slightly angry, but probably rightfully so.

"The Morgans convinced the company to buy back all the family shares at a premium price and then turn the company to 100% ESOP so that the family was completely protected from a down turn and they were set. http://www.morganfamilyfdn.org/family.html

Now most of the employees that have worked there for years to make them millions- have nothing but a pat on the back and a big cheer to say- start over. This will be a perfect case study at MBA schools all over the country on how a company that had so much going for it- could be driven to its death by such poor leadership. Truly a waste, but I guess if it can teach others how not to run a business- then there is silver lining in there somewhere.

Supporting this company and their products, undermines the promises to the employees that have not been kept, How would you feel? losing all of your vested retirement savings and having the same exact management running a new company which assets came directly from these (your) funds.

Supporting this company and their products, undermines the promises to the employees that have not been kept, How would you feel? losing all of your vested retirement savings and having the same exact management running a new company which assets came directly from these (your) funds.

YOUR LIFE, Your Story, OUR WAY.....Sucker!"

Wordless Wednesday...WAHM WISH GRANTED!

Kelly McCausey @ Work @ Home Mom's Talk Radio granted me my Wahm Wish!!!
Yes, an Epson Artisan 800 Print / Copy / Scan / Fax / Ultra HD Photo
Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Kelly. You're awesome!!!!!!

I'm Back!

WoW! I've missed my blog like a...like a bad habit! These past few days have been so exciting, busy, and 110% exhausting. I attended the Southern Women's Show in Orlando as vendor with Cherish Bound. What an amazing 4 days!! I can't stop smiling!

It was incredible to see how many people connect with Cherish Bound. I met some of the most amazing women. Women who love story, who adore their families, who support WAHM's, women who want to make a difference, women of all ages, ethnic backgrounds....it was a melting pot estrogen...but in a very good way.

It never ceases to amaze me how exhilarating sharing Cherish Bound's message is. I guess because I live in it from the second I wake up to the second I go to bed. I take it for granted. I guess it's because I think everyone knows how they change their lives and families and I forget that nope, not everybody does. Not everyone knows about Cherish Bound...in fact most don't! So when I'm standing in my 10x10 space, with rows of books and a display that stops everyone for just a split second to catch the beautiful pictures I get to see time and time again the "First Impression" of Cherish Bound. It gives me chills to think that 1000's and 1000's of people, unsuspecting women, found Cherish Bound for the first time in the last 4 days. For some it was an answer to prayers, for others it was a relief that there really is an easier way to "scrapbook" and for most they were so taken back by the concept of actually finding and sharing their family's stories.

If I think I'm exhausted now...huh! Just wait for the next few days. The hard work begins now. The follow-up process of re-connecting with all these ladies again starts now. I'm excited to call them and chat with them and for those that are joining our Cherish Bound family, I can't wait to help you get started with a business that will change your life!

I just want to shout out I "HEART" Cherish Bound! I really do! For all that it is in my life, for how it's changed me and so many other women. I'm so blessed to be able to share something so special and I love that I get to meet so many amazing beautiful women and help them find a way to change their families and communities!

Convention...Day 2: The Foundation of Cherish Bound

I'm saving the storytelling for the next post. It deserves it's own....I'm still amazed at the power this beautiful art has over the mind.

Day two of convention was just as good as the first. This day was designed around the five national leaders. We've had our hands full this past year and have really gotten some serious OTJ training! I'm not an expert in direct sales, but this past year has definitely given me my share of opportunities. Truly a remarkable year for growth in all areas. Because of this experiences we have encountered this year, we were given the opportunity to instruct the consultants about the foundation of our businesses. Each one of us took a half hour to coach and train and then we did a Q & A panel.

The first half hour was presented by my SIL, Christa. She started the morning off with incredible passion, but also a setting the tone of the entire day of presentations. When talking direct sales and the basics of business anyone who plans on having success must know that the "home party" is the foundation behind the success. Here at Cherish Bound, we call them Gatherings. She talked about "Why the Gathering?" She did such an amazing job! I love learning from my peers and she nailed her presentation.

We understand here at Cherish Bound, that our services and products CANNOT be sold on a shelf or on a website with no face. As consultants we are the warmth and support that helps families become successful. No better place to do it than in the home. She gave great examples of her personal experiences with home gatherings, but also gave a PERFECT analogy of who we really are.....here's her story.

She told us how her toilet had broke and just to give you a background on her....she's determined, motivated, independent and can pretty much do EVERYTHING! So of course she was going to fix her toilet herself. No plumber is need at this house...matter of fact, one time I called her and she was busy fixing her sprinkler system! Anyway, she took a trip to Lowe's and made her way to the plumbing area to find her part. She had a description of what it looked like, didn't really know the name of it, but was determined to find her toilet part. She looked and looked and knew what she needed, but couldn't find it. She found the "call button" that is placed in the departments and pressed it hoping to find some assistance. She waited for a few minutes and kept with her search. Assuming that help would be on the way she patiently waited a few more minutes. This is a huge store, lots of employees, how could it take this long? She waited for almost 25-30 minutes and NO ONE CAME TO ASSIST HER! So she left....no, she didn't give up. That is NOT her vocabulary. She went somewhere else...

Christa went to her neighborhood Ace Hardware. Yes, the personal, intimate choice that resides among the home improvement giants....smaller yes, but let me continue her story. She walked up to the doors and standing there waiting were 4 employees welcoming her into the store, greeting her with smiles. One asked her if there was any thing that she needed. She smiled and explained to him that she was looking for this plumbing part that went like this and then like that and kind of like this....he listened and knew exactly what she needed. He led her to the exact area and showed her what part she was looking for. He also told her exactly how to install this plumbing part into her toilet step by step and sent her on her way with total confidence and a guaranteed result of success.

WE ARE ACE HARDWARE! She showed us that we are the "Ace Hardware" of the memory keeping, story telling, photo book, history recording world. But more than that, we are the leader in customer service, product knowledge, workshop and instructions, and we not only offer just one "part" or "department"...we offer just about everything a family could need to connect and re-connect with each other, a legitimate business opportunity, programs for ALL ages including the I'm An Author for children...and the list goes on. We were once again reminded of the amazing opportunity we have to share person-to-person, home-to-home. (I know...she rocks)

Next was Vicky...Vicky is our fellow leader that was in the accident. Unfortunately she was not physically there to present, but her topic was "Finding Your Hostess". We call her the queen of warm chatter. Her beautiful smile and warm presence attracts hostess from every nook and cranny! She'll be giving her presentation at a later date via conference call. Can't wait to hear what she has to say!!

Then it was my turn. My topic was "Coaching Your Hostess/Success Before You Arrive". I find it a blessing that I've had my share of Hostess Coaching opportunities. That's a good thing in this business. I started out with a great quote from the book "Build It Big". "Deepening your relationship with your hostess can literally transform how you do business and at the same time improve the results you enjoy."

I had 5 areas of coaching that I talked about: What is a hostess?, 24-48-72, Motivation & Appreciation, Coaching Tips, and Communication & Creativity. I personally feel that each of these areas are key to successful gatherings and a successful business. If you'd like to see my handout feel free to leave a comment and I'd love to share it with you!!

Kelly was next and her expertise is sells. She has a vision of the entire sells concept and lots of experience and education. Her specific topic was "Selling: That's What You're There For". So many people have this misconception about working their business and "selling"...like it's a sin or down right rude to run your own business and SELL! DRIVES ME CRAZY! Sorry....

Kelly had fantastic interactive handout that helped us see where our fears or confidence in sells comes from. She helped us remember what has turned us into Cherish Bound sales "Warriors". I love that word, warrior! Yes, I am a Cherish Bound warrior! Woo-hoo! Okay, back on track. She reminded us that sales is an honorable profession, and passed on this great quote, "If you have nothing to sell, you'd better check your pulse...you're probably dead!" (not sure who said it, but it's great) She also helped us see the difference between Cherish Bound's features and benefits. Having a clearer understanding of those two really helped me see the bigger picture and will help me "sell" better and be more productive. She had so many amazing tips, obviously I can't post it all.

Last but not the least was Teresa. Teresa is simply a breath of fresh air. Beautiful inside and out...everyone wants to be her when they grow up! She's a professional storyteller by trade, but has become one Cherish Bound's top consultants as well. She closed up the leader presentations by touching on the importance of "Follow Through - Don't Lose It Now".

The first thing she said was "a lack of follow-up is a form of deception". OH! I never-ever thought of it that way. By selling products and services to people we are obligated to follow-up and make sure they get the most out of what they invested in. She also had a great outline revolving around "See It-Plan It-Do It": Visualize each step, Micro Goals, Give yourself credit, Ambitious goals, Failure is not an option, Have fun! Relax, and Be Confident!

She ended with my favorite quote which will wrap up this post....and don't worry I think I have at least 5 more posts to go. This quote is posted to my desk and reminds me to stay focused and believe...

"It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually who are you NOT to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that others won't feel unsure around you. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

--Nelson Mandela

Convention....Continued Part 2

I feel like I'm bouncing all over the place....I realized that one of the most important parts of the entire experience was having the opportunity to spend time with other consultants, friends and family. We really have become a "family" in every sense of the word. Every time we all get together it reconfirms my thoughts that we are all supposed to be in this exact moment together. We are all where we're supposed to be. A bonus for me is that I get to spend time with my dearest friend and SIL. As a fellow consultant and national leader we have much to talk about when it comes to Cherish Bound, but even better we get a reason to spend time together and chat about our families and all the crazy things going on in life. It was so much fun to fly in a day early and just spend some "mommy" time together, chatting and laughing over an enormous amount of food!

As a "family" we experienced some highs and lows together in those few days. When one of our own is up we're all up, but when one of us is down, we feel it too. Wednesday, the day I flew to SLC, I had just got off my connecting flight in Atlanta when I received a phone call from a fellow consultant and very good friend that one of our consultants/friend/leader had just been involved in a very, very serious car accident and wouldn't be making convention. When I heard the news I stopped dead in my tracks. After getting all the details and feeling completely sick to my stomach and called my SIL and told her of the horrible news. We talked about how sad we were for our friend and couldn't believe that this happened to her...they day before she was to leave for convention!! If you could get a glimpse into this consultants heart you would understand why we were so sad for her. She's the warmest and friendliest person I have ever met. We would most certainly feel her void.

I had a long flight to SLC and had a few hours to digest the news. I saw the big picture of how our little network of consultants has created a powerful bond. We are not only financially invested in each other, but more importantly we're emotionally and spiritually invested in each other's lives. These women are people that will be in my life FOREVER! Had I not taken this opportunity when it was presented to me 4 years ago there's a chance that I would have never met any of these amazing people. And if that news wasn't horrible enough...there was more.

Us leaders were informed that one of our most important directors and corporate support had just found out she had breast cancer. Again, my little world stopped spinning and I seriously felt like a knife cut my heart. I sobbed inside. Why? I don't understand it all...It's not fair. But I watched her as she continued on with the events and details of the weekend and as crazy as it sounds, she gave ME strength. Her beautiful smile has made me want to work harder! For her, I will make sure Cherish Bound becomes the dream that is supposed to be.

The roller coaster of emotion that weighed on me was up and down, and up and down......No wonder I was completely exhausted when I got home. Again, another reason that home-based businesses for women are truly lifetime experiences. When you put your heart and soul into something you love you are forever changed....by the product and the people.

Where Do I Begin...

"If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where they are needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive."

—Barry Lopez

I don't know where to begin! After attending the Cherish Bound convention and Timpanogos Storytelling Festival I can honestly say that I have once again come away a different person. I'm a better woman mentally, spiritually, as well as in business...and even physical. (Yes, lots of great food). My soul is so enlightened and my heart is full of gratitude and excitement!

My experience is almost impossible to explain or share. It's one of those "things" in life that can't be told, it must be felt. This will take a few days to tell, but I'm going to do my best to make sure I can share as much as possible with as much detail and feeling as I can. Just sitting here thinking about those days makes my throat get a slight lump and my eyes are starting to water. AHH! Get a grip Tara!

First I'll start with Convention....day one. Our convention was held in the beautiful Mt. Timpanogos Park in Provo Canyon, Utah, among the beautiful white tents that housed 1000's of story lovers and tellers celebrating the 19th anniversary of the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. We had our own large tent nestled in the corner of the park where we met as consultants with our company's founders and corporate directors.

I arrived a day early and made my way to the empty park to meet with the 4 other national leaders and founders for a private leadership training. As I stood on a small hill in the park that overlooked the valley I couldn't believe what I was doing. I literally thought in my mind, "How lucky are you? How did I ever deserve such an opportunity?" I shook my head and found my way to our meeting under a beautiful wood pavilion that was warmed by the mountain sun where we officially began our conference.

The theme of our convention this year was "This is the moment...a moment you won't forget." Those words have never been more true! I kept repeating them in my head over and over again. I knew the very second I walked up the path and into the park that this would be a moment I would never, ever forget.

Day one of our scheduled convention was opened by our Co-Founder, Carol Rice. I could post 100 posts and still not be able to tell you how truly amazing this woman is. But for what it's worth, she is someone that I will continually strive to be like in all ways. She ranks among my most favorite people in the world...probably a hero. She spoke on "Ten Lessons from the Trail". She shared her personal experiences that she's had while hiking weekly in the local mountains. She related all of her trail lessons to those we can use within our business. Her simple lessons had a huge impact on all who listened in. She shared this beautiful quote..."There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few that will catch your heart...pursue them."

We were instructed on great basic business practices, one of the many great bonuses Cherish Bound consultants are blessed with. The business is basic and efficient, but the support from corporate makes it that much more attainable.

One of the most anticipated agenda items is always the unveiling of new products and programs! Oh, that's my favorite! I love to see what they've been working on and the amazing product ideas that they come up with. Just when I think we've tapped into every part of story, family, and publishing, they release more! Here is a list of new Cherish Bound product and tools that were officially released on Friday, August 28.

• Music Story Starter: This is the first of 3 Story Starters in the new Hobbies Collection. This story starter helps you to share your appreciation for music no matter your talent level and guides you through the writing process.
• Scouting Story Starter: Tell your scouting stories and memories with ease.
• My Collection (Series of Firsts): Only someone who shares your passion can truly understand what your collection means to you. Help your family and friends gain an appreciation for your obsession with this mini story starter.
• Places I've Called Home (Series of Firsts): This new addition to the Legacy Collection helps you remember all those special places and special times. The place combined with the moment is what made it important and deserves to be shared.

2 pre-made hardbound journals were added to complete the Journals collection.

• Favorites Journal: Our "favorites" define us; they help us claim our identity. Knowing our favorites reminds us that joy can be found in the little, simple things of life.
• Gratitude Journal: There's no question that an attitude of gratitude is beneficial. This small book will help you create a habit of gratitude in no time at all.

We also officially released our new Consultant Video. You can catch a link to view it right here. CLICK ME! You can meet me personally in this video... (wink-wink) We also released our new catalogs, opportunity brochures, and some other great consultant tools. VERY excited to use them all! We broke for lunch and then took our first adventure into the storytelling world. I have been to other festivals, but for some consultants this was their first time. It didn't matter if it was the first, second or third time, every single consultant and guest at the festival was swept away....I'll get into the storytelling more in a day or so. All I can say is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! We finished our night with a YUMMY dinner together and then celebrated our achievements and awards. I was quite surprised and pleased to find out that I was Top Recruiter, Had the most gatherings for the year and second in personal volume next to my wonderful, beautiful SIL (who is another one of my most favorite people in the world). It was an amazing year....but I think this year will be 100's better.....wish I could tell more.

Continued tomorrow...Day two of convention and the storytelling.

I'm Back!

I'm back from Cherish Bound's National convention! All I can say is WOW-WOW-WOW!!!!!! I can't wait to share everything with you! I went to bed writing blog posts in my head...from the amazing storytellers to our new products that were released, the beautiful mountains and festival to the excitement surrounding Cherish Bound's incredible opportunity...I can't even think straight! It's going to take me 10 posts to give you everything! Hopefully I'll get my first post out tonight!

Cherish Bound National Convention Has Arrived!

Well, I'm heading out tomorrow morning for 5 days! Cherish Bound's annual convention has finally arrived and I'm so ready for it. I'm 100% exhausted and can't believe I actually got myself packed and ready to go before midnight. I even got my five kids and and hubby all situated and ready for the rest of the week. I'm a lucky girl...my husband rocks! He's attempting to work at home with 18-month-old twins, 3 kids in school on different bus schedules, soccer and softball practices and even 2 soccer tournaments in Orlando over the weekend! Please pray for my family...that daddy survives this week!

I can't wait to report back on Monday about all the amazing announcements, new books and products that will be released and hopefully some great contests so you can win some free Cherish Bound goodies!

Here are some links to the great festival we'll be attending during our convention.

Mt. Timpanogos Storytelling Festival
www.timpfest.org

My Interview @ Sparkplugging.com

Kelly McCausey from www.sparkplugging.com recently interviewed me. "A work at home mom who is really taking her business to the web in a great way." Check it out!!

CLICK HERE!

My Interview on Wahm Talk Radio with Kelly McCausey!

Welcome to those of you who are joining me from www.wahmtalkradio.com. I hope you had a great time learning about Cherish Bound and hopefully I can spark some ideas about blogging your businesses and what you love! I'm new to this concept and by no means am I claiming to be a pro....I'm just doing something I truly love! So check out my blog, leave some comments and let me know if you have any questions!

Here's the direct link to the interview http://www.wahmtalkradio.com/playerwindow.html

Why I Love Working From Home!

After reading Kelly McCausey's reasons about why she loves working from, I realized that I too not only love working from home, but have my reasons why I wouldn't trade it for the world. If you would have asked me 10 or even 15 years ago what I'd be doing now, I would have never said that I'd be a work at home mom. That thought would have never, ever crossed my mind.

But today, I am a work-at-home-mom; otherwise known as a WAHM. There reasons why I have to work, need to work, want to work, whatever you want to call it, but there are only a few reasons why I do it and who I do it for. It's for my five kids and my sweet husband. As much as I would fight tooth and nail to never-ever-ever work in some dreaded office, I could do if I had too, but only if I didn't have my five kiddos and hubby. Having them in my life, at the top of my list makes me want to be at home and take care of them first...while running a business from home.

I have children ranging in ages from 14 to 1-year-old twins and I don't want to miss anything. I don't want to miss their soccer games after school. I don't want to miss their sweet smiling faces when I pull up in the carpool line and their eyes pop with excitement and they run to greet me. I don't want to miss our few quite moments we spend together just before everybody makes their mad dashes out the door to the bus. I don't want to miss it....I want to be a part of every moment and live in it with them.

This too is my life, right now, and I'm so blessed to have it! I'm blessed to be able to run kids to a bus stop and then run back into my office to answer emails, jump on a conference call, and help my customers write their stories. Take a break to grab a bag of Cheerios and a sippy cup of apple juice and change a few diapers....and then run back in the office during nap time and jump back into business mode. Another break to turn on the crock pot so my hubby can have a warm dinner and few other phone calls with adorable twins causing a ruckus in my office. Thank goodness for mute! How exciting is that? Some might call it crazy, hectic, insane, but I call it life. It's my amazing life and I love WORKING FROM HOME! Cherish Bound offers me the freedom to be a mom and wife first and then run a successful business.

So why do you love working at home? Grab this meme image, write a post to share your why (with pics of your who!) on your blog and link back to this post. Don't forget to share your link in the comment section.