Embellissez-Moi

ScrapFest 2010!

2010-09-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

I am SOOO excited- me and my scrappin gals are headed to the Twin Cities for 4 FABULOUS days of SCRAPPIN', SHOPPIN', CLASSES, MAKE N TAKES, CROPPIN' and a whole lotta FUN!!!!

Will I see any of you there?

Drop me a note and let me know!

DETAILS HERE:

SCRAPFEST 2010

Caring Bridge

2010-06-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to update my blog-

My son Oliver has been in the hospital most of the past 2 months.

Our family created a Caring Bridge site about him and the journey towards health.

I haven't had much time to scrap lately, and I don't have time to keep up with my blog regularly right now either... but I just wanted to let my scrappin' friends know why I wasn't around!

If you would like to follow our story, feel free & thanks for understanding and encouragement!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/oliverbarker

Friday Favs 6/18/10

2010-06-18T21:22:00.000-07:00

I didn't have time for my normal list, it has been a busy week with Oliver being back in the hospital... but I did want to share a funny story of something that happened to us one night when we were driving back from visiting him in the hospital in Fargo...

***

We were coming home from Fargo tonight and a TINY baby skunk ran out in the road in front of us- I freaked out and yelled at Matt not to hit him and Matt swerved and went right over top of him... we jumped out of the car to see if he was alright, and he started hopping and waving his tail at us. I think he was trying to spray us, but he was the size of a hamster and not very successful. It was hilarious... and obviously he was fine, just mad!!!!

I am sooooo relieved the skunk was ok,

but after seeing how adorable it was (and TINY!)

now I want one so bad as a pet....

I would get him "De-PU'ed"! ♥

SOOOOO...

The skunk is my Friday Fave for this week!

Scrap Yourself Challenge 7

2010-06-16T06:22:00.000-07:00

It is Wednesday, which means it is Reveal day on the

Scrap Yourself Challenge Blog

This week's challenge is:

"Hidden Talents"

This one was kind of tough for me... I have lots of hobbies- not sure if any of them would be be considered a hidden talent though. I decided to go back to my high school photos and use this prompt to document my love of theater.

"Drama Queen"

I used the May Swirlydoos Kit "La Vie En Rose" for this page... the themed paper from Creative Imaginations was a PERFECT fit!

Supply List:

Pattern Paper, Stickers, Tags: Creative Imaginations; Flowers: Petaloo, Bazzill; Bling: Prima; Alpha Stickers: Making Memories; Thickers, Ribbon: American Crafts; Ink: CTMH

I love the musical & dramatic theme of this Creative Imaginations line it "set the stage" for this page! (ba- dum- bum- ching!)

I wrote all my journaling on a tag and hid it behind the photo.

Journaling:

"When I was in middle school, I discovered a love for ACTING! All through high school I took drama courses and I was in the International Thespian Society... my senior year I was President of the club & I competed at a District and State level in Musical Theater. I went on to declare a Musical Theater major in college. I have always wondered what would have happened if I has pursued my love for the theater instead of getting married and starting a family. I guess I will never know, but the DRAMA QUEEN in me lives on! Maybe one day I will hit the stage again ♥ 6/2010"

*****

If you haven't already, head over to

SCRAP YOURSELF

and see what the rest of the design team did for this challenge.

Hopefully you will join us and make your own

page or project reflecting your talents!

blessings ~ Zoa

SY Challenge 7 Sneak Peek!!

2010-06-15T22:06:00.000-07:00

SY Challenge 7 Sneak Peek:

"Hidden Talents"

The Full Design Team Reveal is this

Wednesday June 16th!

Make sure you stop by the BLOG tomorrow

to see all the FANTASTIC designs!

Blessings~ Zoa

SY Challenge 6 is Up!!

2010-06-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

Go check out Team B's Reveal!!

SCRAP YOURSELF

Blessings~ Zoa

XOXO June Challenge & DT Reveal

2010-06-07T22:09:00.000-07:00

The Lipstick Chicks

just revealed the June challenge & here is mine:

"J'Adore"

my sweet daughters Anabelle & Julianna

Supply List: Scalloped Paper & Die Cuts: K & Company;

Pattern Paper & Tag: Graphic 45; Flowers: Prima, Bazzill;

Thickers: American Crafts; Alpha Stickers: Making Memories;

Clip: CTMH; Stamp: Stampabilities; Ribbon: American Crafts;

Stickles: Ranger; Ink: Colorbox, CTMH

*****

This month's prize is sponsored by:
DIVINE DESIGN KITS

The winner will receive this FABULOUS kit!!

Make sure you stop by the

XOXO Challenge Blog

to see all the DT's beautiful work & to play along!

Hope you can join us!

Friday Faves 6/4/10

2010-06-04T23:25:00.001-07:00

here are the highlights from my week:

Little League started

Potluck @ church

Kid's summer Drama Camp put on the play "Sleeping Beauty"

My brother in law graduated high school

Memorial Day

Relay for Life

wow- it was a busy week!!

I'm Featured!

2010-06-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

I was contacted this week by a couple of sweet women who own

Scrap Café,

a Brazillian scrapbook site to inspire and teach others

in Brazil about scrapbooking.

Every Friday they have a column called "Bomboniere" where they feature a scrapbooker, and they asked if they could feature me this week and a page I recently made for a

SCRAP YOURSELF challenge.

OF COURSE!!! ;0)

What an honor! I am thrilled to be featured!

Here is the link:

http://cafedoscrap.blogspot.com/

(and they were so thoughtful to have the post in English as well as Portuguese so that I could read it)

Blessings~ Zoa

Scrap Yourself Challenge 5

2010-06-02T05:30:00.000-07:00

It is Wednesday, which means it is Reveal day on the

Scrap Yourself Challenge Blog

This week's challenge is:

"The Biggest or Most Important Decision You Have Made"

I thought the obvious answer to that prompt would probably be marriage, and I wanted to dig a little deeper. I decided to make the page based on our family's decision a few years ago to move across the country and have a different life.

"Moving To North Dakota Changed Me"

Supply List:

Paper: CTMH, Bazzill; Border, Flowers, Chipboard: Prima

Thickers: American Crafts; Stickers: Making Memories;

Glimmer Mist: Tattered Angels; Other: Tag, Butterfly, Stitching

I printed 2 copies of the same picture, cut out the butterfly of one and "popped it up" on top of the 2nd photo for a 3D effect! I love how it gives the butterfly some "flight"!!

I used the same 3 colors found in the photo as my color scheme: blue, orange and cream/tan. I absolutely love the effect of the orange glimmer mist on the paper!!

I wrote all my journaling on a vintage dry cleaning claim tag and hid it behind the photo.

Journaling:

"I can think of only 2 life changing decisions I have made in my 32 years... when I got married, and years later, when our family decided to move across the country to North Dakota. We left everyone and everything that we had ever known for a completely different life. I had the FALSE assumption that everywhere in the U.S. was pretty much the same... NOT! ND is so completely opposite of Florida in almost every way. It was a HUGE culture shock moving here and it took me a long time to adjust.

Now after living here for 3 years, I can HONESTLY say that I am a better person because I have lived here. North Dakota changed me. I have learned to slow down and enjoy life and simple things. I appreciate my family more. Nature more. Community more. Friends more... LIFE MORE! I have learned that you can be friends with anyone and social classes and differences don't matter here. I have learned values and what is valuable. I learned how to LIVE. North Dakota changed my life! "

*****

If you haven't already, head over to

SCRAP YOURSELF

and see what the rest of the design team did for this challenge.

Hopefully you will join us and make your own

page or project reflecting the Biggest Decision You Ever Made!

SY Challenge 5 Sneak Peek!!

2010-06-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

SY Challenge 5 Sneak Peek:

"The Biggest or Most Important Decision"

The Full Design Team Reveal is this

Wednesday June 2nd!

Make sure you stop by the BLOG tomorrow

to see all the FANTASTIC designs!

Blessings~ Zoa

May & June Pubs

2010-05-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

I have 5 pages in the May Issue of

Scrapbook News & Review

available now!

and...

I also have 2 pages coming out in the June Issue of

ScrapStreet Magazine

available June 1st

FUN FUN!!

Go Check Them Out!

Friday Favs 5/28/10

2010-05-28T05:30:00.000-07:00

Here's what happened this week:

1. Last Day of School

2. Summer Vacation Started

3. So You Think You Can Dance

(my favorite show- I am soooooo excited!!!)

4. Scrapbook Goodies

a big box of Birthday fun came in the mail!

5. Thunderstorms

(I LOVE rain & thunderstorms-

especially because up north we only get them a few months out of the year)

HELLO SUMMER!!

xoxo~ Zoa

SNR Subscription Special

2010-05-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

"For those of you familiar with Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, you might know that Kate Koch, the editor-in-chief, and Marisol Jiminez, the managing editor, are both brain cancer survivors.

In honor of National Brain Tumor Awareness Month and their continued efforts to spread the word about brain cancer and the many lives it has touched, we would like to do something special.

Until May 31, 2010, for every dollar that comes through the door via a subscription to SNR, we’ll match dollar for dollar and gift all proceeds to the Brain Tumor Awareness Organization. We can honestly say that without research and hope, Kate and Marisol would not be here today to enrich the lives of our friends and readers.

The Special: For every annual subscription purchased at the special rate of $39.99 or semi-annual subscription purchased at the special rate of $19.99, we'll either gift a comparable subscription to a friend of your choice or add on another six months or year to your personal subscription. Please don't delay -- this special offer is only good until May 31, 2010 -- and spread the word. This month, let's keep hope alive!"

Scrapbook News and Review Magazine

SY Challenge 4 Reveal!

2010-05-26T12:15:00.001-07:00

Go check out Team B's Reveal!!

SCRAP YOURSELF

Friday Favs 5/21/10

2010-05-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

I was scrapbook shopping today...

and I bought:

all of this line... LOVE!

4 new distress inks...

THIS!!! Love Tim Holtz!

"Siren" Smooch (the red one)...

this package of ribbon...

it looks FANTASTIC with the G45!

Key Lime Shimmerz (the lime color in the front)

and some Alcohol Ink- Shell Pink

(because that is what Sharon L from Prima recommends!)

***

Can't wait to start playing!!

Have a great weekend!

xoxo~ Zoa

Scrap Yourself Challenge 3

2010-05-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

I am so excited- today is DT Reveal Day on

Scrap Yourself!!

The 3rd Challenge is:

Something You Collect

Check out the site to see all those fun collections...

You will find some FABULOUS Scrapbook inspiration too! Join us for this fun challenge!

SCRAP YOURSELF CHALLENGE BLOG

Here is my page:

I used the Swirlydoos kit "From Venice, With Love" for this layout. I loved the colors & elements in the kit, and they coordinated perfectly with the pictures I wanted to use!!

I used Tim Holtz crackle paint to distress the chipboard heart. Since this layout is all about my love for vintage finds, I thought it was only appropriate!

I also used some of the Prima Burlap on this layout- I have been wanting to use it forever, and I finally found the perfect place!!

Left over Prima packaging was used for the tag, and
I used 7 Gypsies stamps to decorate it before I journaled.

Journaling Reads:
I LOVE to go to Antique Stores, flea markets, yard sales, junk sales etc! It is one of my favorite hobbies. I love the thrill of a great UNIQUE FIND, that is a huge part of the fun to me- you never know what you might find! My style is country, rustic, primitive, shabby chic, elective... you name it. My favorite furniture and knick knacks have come from these used venues. Some people would call it JUNK, but I look at the "junk" as TREASURES. I have been collecting yard sale finds for decades, even when I was a child. My mom & I would get up early on Saturday mornings, grab a Beaches Leader and the hunt would begin!
I am lucky that Matt enjoys the hunt also... now we share this fun hobby. These pictures were taken on our "100 Mile Yard Sale" road trip in May of 2009. We went for my birthday weekend... 100 miles of junk up and down the Mississippi River!! These were some of my favorite finds.

SY Challenge 3 Sneak Peek

2010-05-16T22:21:00.000-07:00

SY Challenge 3 Sneak Peek:

"Something You Collect"

The Full Design Team Reveal is this Wednesday May 19th

Make sure you visit the

SCRAP YOURSELF

blog for Team A's FABULOUS examples!

Friday Favs 5/14/10

2010-05-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

1. Finishing my "To Do" List

I love the feeling of accomplishment when I get all my errands done on a busy day!

(at the top of my list today was

mailing out all the BLOG prizes!)

2. Lee & Crystal's Duet on American Idol

this might be my favorite performance of the whole season...

with only Didi Benami's version of "Terrified" rivaling it

(IN MY OPINION!)

3. Getting Compliments

Seriously, I went to pick up pictures from Walgreens photo lab today, and the lady asked me if I had a PHOTO RELEASE from the photographer.

She thought my pictures were professional!!

Honestly, one of the BEST compliments ever!!

(here are some of the pics in question)

4. IBC Rootbeer

self explanatory

5. Famous Daves BBQ

Moving away from the Deep South is a traumatic experience, but it is so nice to find an island of SOUTHERN food in the middle of all this mid- west chaos! haha!

SY Challenge 2 is Up!!

2010-05-12T19:18:00.000-07:00

Go check out Team B's Reveal!!

SCRAP YOURSELF

May's Prima Product Pick

2010-05-12T00:05:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh gorgeous... Prima does it again!

LOVE this!!

Want to win some of these fun products? Go

HERE

to find out the details & to see some FABULOUS

inspiration from the Prima Design Team!

7 Gypsies Stamps

2010-05-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

Look what I got?!

My sweet friend gave me this

FABULOUS stamp set for my birthday!

I can't wait to play with it!

thanks Charity!! :0)

Birthday Bash WINNERS!!!

2010-05-10T02:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to everyone who celebrated

my Birthday week with me- I had a great time

and I hope you did too!!

Here is the list of all the winners:

Monday 5/3: Leah the Orange

Tuesday 5/4: Sklay723

Wednesday 5/5: Lynne Forsythe

Thursday 5/6: Peggy J

Friday 5/7: Leah the Orange

Saturday 5/8: Chloe

and the Grand Prize Winner is:

#16 ISSA!!!!

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:16Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congrats to all the winners!!

Please make sure you

email me: zoa@polarcomm.com

your contact info so that I can mail out your prizes!!

xoxo~ Zoa

I'm #37!!!

2010-05-09T22:09:00.001-07:00

Um... HELLO!!!!
I am #37 on the Scrapbook Faves Top Sites!
WHAT?!?!

that is amazing! thanks y'all!!!!

Embellissez-Moi - Stats
37
My personal scrapbook blog following the latest trends, kit clubs & HOT products on the market. Lots of giveaways, projects and inspiration too! Several posts a week- come visit!
Category: Paper Scrapbooking | Movement: Today 0
Average 27.3

Birthday Bash Day #7- FINAL DAY!

2010-05-09T00:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Y'all!

Welcome to my Birthday Party!!!!

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY... IF YOU HAVEN'T ENTERED TO WIN THE GRAND PRIZE YET.... WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?! ;0)

THANKS FOR CELEBRATING WITH ME ALL THIS WEEK-

I HAD A FABULOUS BIRTHDAY &

I ENJOYED SPENDING IT WITH YOU GALS!!

CONGRATS TO ALL THE DAILY WINNERS SO FAR...

THERE IS ONLY 1 PRIZE LEFT, AND IT IS THE BIG ONE!

Here is a picture of the Grand Prize:

To be eligible for the Grand Prize:

*Become a follower of my blog!

*Add your name & blog address to Mr Linky at the bottom of this post!

*Post about my Birthday Party on your blog

(or facebook or anywhere you can advertise!)

and invite all your friends to come join the fun!

YOU MUST DO ALL 3 TO BE ELIGIBLE!!

Grand Prize Drawing will end at Midnight PST Sunday night 5/9

Winner will be announced Monday morning!

GOOD LUCK!!

Saturday 5/8 Winner!!

2010-05-09T00:02:00.000-07:00

Chloe

You win this COOL Prize!!

Lucky You!!

Birthday Bash Day #6

2010-05-08T00:05:00.001-07:00

Welcome to my Birthday Party!!!!

It is DAY 6 and there have already been several winners,

but it is not too late to join the party!!

Celebrate with me all week!!

And what is a party without presents?!

Everyday this week I will be giving away a

"RAK" {Random Act of Kindness}

until Sunday when I will do a drawing for the

Grand Prize!!!

Here is a picture of the Grand Prize:

Here is SATURDAY'S Gift:

Here's What You Do:
To be eligible for the daily RAK:
*Leave me a comment on each day's thread by MIDNIGHT PST...
every day is a new day with a new chance to win!

To be eligible for the Grand Prize:

*Become a follower of my blog!
*Add your name & blog address to Mr Linky at the bottom of THIS post! (click on link)
*Post about my Birthday Party on your blog
(or facebook, a message board or anywhere you can advertise!)
and invite all your friends to come join the fun!

Grand Prize Drawing will end at Midnight PST Sunday night 5/9
Winner will be announced Monday morning!
GOOD LUCK!!

*****
the comment option on this thread is now CLOSED!
Congrats to the SATURDAY winner: Chloe!!

Please go to the current day's contest to leave a comment
and have a chance to win!!

Friday 5/7 Winner!!

2010-05-08T00:02:00.000-07:00

Leah the Orange

again! you are one lucky chick!!!

You win the Cosmo Cricket Kit!
Lucky You!!

Friday Faves 5/7/10

2010-05-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

Ready for my FAVES?!

1. My Birthday!

I celebrated my 32nd Birthday this week....

and it doesn't matter how old I get, I still LOVE my birthday!!

2. Olive Garden

we went out to eat at one of my FAVORITE restaurants

for my birthday! It was YUMMMY!

3. Mini Roses

I got some for my birthday- gorgeous! I love them!!

4. Strawberry Shortcake

One of my absolute favorite desserts- and this year's Birthday cake!

5. My Sweet Kids!

they made my birthday extra special!

I love them so much!!!

Have a Great Weekend-

and don't forget to enter to win some

FABULOUS BLOG CANDY on my blog

You can find all the details

HERE

xoxo~ Zoa

XOXO May Challenge & DT Reveal

2010-05-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

The new Lipstick Chicks have their first

reveal today and here is mine:

"Breakfast Club"

My sisters and I LOVE to meet for breakfast!

Cracker Barrel is one of our favorites :)

To make the "Bling-Ring", I traced a plate onto my paper, then I placed the gems individually around the circle.

I love the way it came out!

Supply List: Pattern Paper, Decorative Brad & Flowery Twigs: K & Company; Flowers: Prima; Thickers: American Crafts; Alpha Stickers: October Afternoon; Bling: The Paper Studio; Sparkle Brads: Karen Foster Design; Ink: Colorbox

*****

This month's prize is sponsored by:

The winner will receive the FABULOUS May kit!

Make sure you stop by the

XOXO Challenge Blog

to see all the DT's beautiful work & to play along!

Hope you can join us!

Birthday Bash Day #5

2010-05-07T00:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Birthday Party!!!!

It is DAY 5 and there have already been several winners,

but it is not too late to join the party!!

Celebrate with me all week!!

And what is a party without presents?!

Everyday this week I will be giving away a

"RAK" {Random Act of Kindness}

until Sunday when I will do a drawing for the

Grand Prize!!!

Here is a picture of the Grand Prize:

Here is FRIDAY'S Gift:

FUN COSMO CRICKET!

Here's What You Do:
To be eligible for the daily RAK:
*Leave me a comment on each day's thread by MIDNIGHT PST...
every day is a new day with a new chance to win!

To be eligible for the Grand Prize:
*Become a follower of my blog!
*Add your name & blog address to Mr Linky at the bottom of THIS post! (click on link)
*Post about my Birthday Party on your blog
(or facebook, a message board or anywhere you can advertise!)
and invite all your friends to come join the fun!

Grand Prize Drawing will end at Midnight PST Sunday night 5/9
Winner will be announced Monday morning!
GOOD LUCK!!

*****
the comment option on this thread is now CLOSED!
Congrats to the FRIDAY winner: Leah!!

Please go to the current day's contest to leave a comment
and have a chance to win!!

Thursday 5/6 Winner!!

2010-05-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

Peggy J

You win the Chatterbox Goodies!!!!

Lucky You!!

New DT Announcement!

2010-05-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

I know I left you guys with a teaser last week about a new design gig-
well the waiting is over!!

I am so excited to have made the
LIPSTICK CHICKS DESIGN TEAM!

If you haven't already, check out the
XOXO Girls Challenge Blog
and get in on the fun!

The new team has their first challenge reveal
tomorrow, so be sure to stop by!
xoxo~ Zoa

Birthday Bash Day #4

2010-05-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Birthday Party!!!!

It is DAY 4 and there have already been several winners,

but it is not too late to join the party!!

Celebrate with me all week!!

And what is a party without presents?!

Everyday this week I will be giving away a

"RAK" {Random Act of Kindness}

until Sunday when I will do a drawing for the

Grand Prize!!!

Here is a picture of the Grand Prize:

Here is THURSDAY'S Gift:

Chatterbox Goodies!

Here's What You Do:
To be eligible for the daily RAK:
*Leave me a comment on each day's thread by MIDNIGHT PST...
every day is a new day with a new chance to win!

To be eligible for the Grand Prize:
*Become a follower of my blog!
*Add your name & blog address to Mr Linky at the bottom of THIS post! (click on link)
*Post about my Birthday Party on your blog
(or facebook, a message board or anywhere you can advertise!)
and invite all your friends to come join the fun!
Grand Prize Drawing will end at Midnight PST Sunday night 5/9
Winner will be announced Monday morning!
GOOD LUCK!!

*****
the comment option on this thread is now CLOSED!
Congrats to the Thursday's winner: Peggy J!!

Please go to the current day's contest to leave a comment
and have a chance to win!!

Wednesday 5/5 Winner!!

2010-05-06T00:02:00.000-07:00

Lynne Forsythe!

You win the Prima Prize Pack!

Lucky You!!

Scrap Yourself Challenge 1

2010-05-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

I am so excited- today is the very first DT Reveal on Scrap Yourself!!

The 1st Challenge is:

High School Photos

EEK! Talk about starting out with a "BANG"!

(...and you should see some of those bangs...heehee!)

The design team members have been divided into 2 groups. The designers that are paricipating in this challenge are Cindy, Cathrine, Emma Ruth, Karla and Susan & Me.

Check out the site to see all those HS Pictures...

You will find some FABULOUS Scrapbook inspiration too!

Join us for this fun challenge!

SCRAP YOURSELF CHALLENGE BLOG

Here is my page:

"17"

This was my "Miss Fletcher Pageant" contestant picture

I participated my Junior year of High School and

had soooo much fun!

Definitely one of my favorite HS memories!

I used the Webster's Pages "Life's Portrait" line for this page-

I love all the words on the pattern paper-

I specifically aligned my picture & design so that the

"Love Yourself" would still be visible.

I used lots of Stickles, vintage lace & Petaloo Flowers

Thanks for stopping by

& don't forget to get in the drawing for some

fabulous Birthday Prizes this week-

All week I am celebrating with Giveaways!

You can see all the details

HERE

xoxo- Zoa!

Birthday Bash Day #3

2010-05-05T00:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Birthday Party!!!!

TODAY IS THE BIG DAY!

#32!

Celebrate with me all week!!

And what is a party without presents?!

Everyday this week I will be giving away a

"RAK" {Random Act of Kindness}

until Sunday when I will do a drawing for the

Grand Prize!!!

Here is a picture of the Grand Prize:

Here is WEDNESDAY'S Gift:

PRIMA- MY FAVORITE!!

Here's What You Do:
To be eligible for the daily RAK:
*Leave me a comment on each day's thread by MIDNIGHT PST...
every day is a new day with a new chance to win!
To be eligible for the Grand Prize:
*Become a follower of my blog!
*Add your name & blog address to Mr Linky at the bottom of THIS post! (click on link)
*Post about my Birthday Party on your blog
(or facebook, a message board or anywhere you can advertise!)
and invite all your friends to come join the fun!
Grand Prize Drawing will end at Midnight PST Sunday night 5/9
Winner will be announced Monday morning!
GOOD LUCK!!

*****
the comment option on this thread is now CLOSED!
Congrats to the Wednesday's winner: Lynne Forsythe!!

Please go to the current day's contest to leave a comment
and have a chance to win!!

Tuesday 5/4 Winner!

2010-05-05T00:02:00.000-07:00

Sklay723!!

(Katie Lay)

You win the Girly Goodies!

Birthday Bash Day #2

2010-05-04T00:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Y'all!

Welcome to my Birthday Party!!!!

Celebrate with me all week!!

And what is a party without presents?!

Everyday this week I will be giving away a

"RAK" {Random Act of Kindness}

until Sunday when I will do a drawing for the

Grand Prize!!!

Here is a picture of the Grand Prize:

Here is TUESDAY's Gift:

Here's What You Do:

To be eligible for the daily RAK:
*Leave me a comment on each day's thread by MIDNIGHT PST...
every day is a new day with a new chance to win!

To be eligible for the Grand Prize:
*Become a follower of my blog!
*Add your name & blog address to Mr Linky at the bottom of THIS post! (click on link)
*Post about my Birthday Party on your blog
(or facebook or anywhere you can advertise!)
and invite all your friends to come join the fun!

Grand Prize Drawing will end at Midnight PST Sunday night 5/9
Winner will be announced Monday morning!

GOOD LUCK!!

*****
the comment option on this thread is now CLOSED!
Congrats to the Tuesday winner: Sklay723!!

Please go to the current day's contest to leave a comment
and have a chance to win!!

Monday 5/3 WINNER!

2010-05-04T00:02:00.000-07:00

Leah the Orange

Yay!! Congrats!!

You win the Making Memories Alpha Gift!

Birthday Bash Day #1

2010-05-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Y'all!

Welcome to my Birthday Party!!!!

Celebrate with me all week!!

And what is a party without presents?!

Everyday this week I will be giving away a RAK

until Sunday when I will do a drawing for the

Grand Prize!!!

Here is a picture of the Grand Prize:

Here is MONDAY's Gift:

Here's What You Do:

To be eligible for the daily RAK:

*Leave me a comment on each day's thread by MIDNIGHT PST...

every day is a new day with a new chance to win!

To be eligible for the Grand Prize:

*Become a follower of my blog!

*Add your name & blog address to Mr Linky at the bottom of this post!

*Post about my Birthday Party on your blog

(or facebook or anywhere you can advertise!)

and invite all your friends to come join the fun!

Grand Prize Drawing will end at Midnight PST Sunday night 5/9

Winner will be announced Monday morning!

GOOD LUCK!!

*****

the comment option on this thread is now CLOSED!

Congrats to the Monday winner: Leah!!

Please go to the current day's contest to leave a comment

and have a chance to win!!

The countdown is on...

2010-05-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

for my

BLOG BIRTHDAY BASH!!

My Birthday Bash starts tomorrow!!!

Come and Join me for some

FABULOUS BLOG CANDY-

all week long!!

Friday Faves 4/30/10

2010-04-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

It's the last day of April...

April Showers brings May Flowers!

Happy Spring!

Here are my faves for the week- short & sweet

{kinda like me ;0) haha!}

1. LOVE GLEE!

2. Apricot Blossoms

My Apricot tree bloomed this week and was gorgeous for a few days... until the wind blew them all off...

and that is it until next year!!

(but still very gorgeous while it lasted!)

3. Tim Holtz

I love him!

I picked up these 2 stamp sets on sale at Michael's this week!

4. Baked French Toast

Ohhhhh My Goooodness!

How in the world has this delicacy escaped me for 30+ years?

Thank Goodness my friend Rebekah introduced me!

YUMMY!

5. Pink One!

(Did you flinch? haha!)

This car would be such a fun car to zip around town in...

if I wasn't a mom of 4 kids...

A girl can dream though, right?!

Happy Friday! Enjoy your weekend!!

******

AND!

Be sure to check back early next week....

it's my BIRTHDAY and I will be showering my

blog readers with birthday gifts!!

Big News!

2010-04-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!!

.... but for now it is still a secret!

(check back next week!)

Fun with Photoshop

2010-04-29T12:03:00.001-07:00

Ok- I have never played with Photoshop before...

I know, I am WAY BEHIND!

Anyway just started playing... here is my first project

Love all the colors!

Scrap Yourself Spotlight

2010-04-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been over to the

Scrap Yourself

blog yet, go check it out!

I am so excited to have made the new

Design Team over there,

and each day one of the new members is in the spotlight

Here is the link to mine:

Zoa Barker

Go check out the amazing work of all the DT members,

and leave us some love!

And don't forget to check back next

Wednesday May 5th for the first DT reveal & challenge!

Stamp Sale

2010-04-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

I stopped by Hobby Lobby today and to my delight,

all rubber stamps were 50% off!!

Look what I found:

and I spent less than $10

SCORE!

Friday Faves 4/23/10... Art Journaling

2010-04-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

I have recently been introduced to

ART JOURNALING

I was immediately interested & wanted to find out more about this, only to realize that I started making Art Journals long before I ever knew what they were! I started the first one during my freshman year of college... I used it to jot down my thoughts and feelings, as well as some poetry and other things. I drew pictures and pasted in little keepsakes that I collected at various events throughout the school year. It was a very thick collage book that represented my entire time at college... the ups and downs. Everywhere I went, so did my art journal.

Now over a decade later, art journaling is back in my life.

I love that there are no rules, there is no right or wrong way to create one...

So here are my FAVES for the week- Art Journal Style!

1. Somerset Studios "Art Journaling"

the beginning of my new journey started a few weeks ago at the

magazine rack in Barnes & Noble

2. Tim Holtz Distress Inks

I have been watching all the FABULOUS demos on Tim Holtz's website, I love all the simple techniques he teaches for creating beautiful distressed backgrounds. You can do so much with the distress inks, even make your own pigment mist!

3. Mesh (Drywall Tape)

Do you remember Magic Mesh? Yeah well, when my husband found out what it was, he rolled his eyes and told me I was paying an arm and a leg for DRYWALL TAPE. He then proceeded to take me to the hardware store and show me what I could buy for a fraction of the cost. I love using this mesh on my projects!!

4. Vintage Inspired Rubber Stamps

These types of stamps make wonderful backgrounds, perfect for art journaling. I am having a lot of fun using my old stamps again!

5. Recycled Magazine Letters & Words

I love this idea to recycle your old magazines and newspapers. Letters & words are a lot of fun, but you can actually use anything you like for your art journaling... pictures, ads, articles etc.

Cut them up before you toss the old magazines in the recycle bin!

well there is another week of FAVES...

maybe this has inspired you to start your own Art Journal?

If not, check back here for updates on how my own art journal is coming along :)

Happy Weekend!!

Blessings~ Zoa

CTMH Projects

2010-04-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

I haven't had a lot of time for scrapping the past couple weeks because of Oliver being in the hospital, but I do have some recent projects that I haven't posted.

Here are a couple projects I made at a CTMH workshop & crop

I used some new items from the Spring 2010 Catalog:

Veranda Pattern Paper X7119B

Authentic Stamp Set D1401

*****

I also made some "boy" cards:

For the cards I used:

You Rock Paper Pack X7122B

You Rock Stamp Set D1346

thanks for stopping by, hope you have a great weekend!

Blessings~ Zoa

I'm Published!

2010-04-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

I am soooooo excited!! The new issue of

Scrapbook News & Review

just came out and they published 7 of my pages!!!

Woop Woop!!

Go check it out!

DT Announcement!

2010-04-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

Exciting News:

I just found out that I made the

Scrap Yourself Design Team!!!

Congrats to all the gals that also made the team-

I can't wait to start scrapping about MYSELF!

Come join us for weekly challenges

Blessings~ Zoa

Friday Faves 4/16/10

2010-04-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

Ok sorry I dropped the ball on blogging.... if I am to be honest without going into a sob story, I have a special needs son that especially needed me this week. ;0)

All kidding aside, sometimes mom's have hard jobs, and this week was a tough one for me. I didn't have time to scrap and I could never think of anything to post on my blog that wouldn't be depressing. I love posting my FAVES every week, but for the last few days every time I would try to come up with anything for this week, I drew a blank.

So this week I am only going to do something a little different and just post 1 Fave... my son, Oliver.

Oliver

I love this little boy so much!

No matter what we have been through and what we will go through in the future, I am so glad he is mine.

Blessings~ Zoa

Friday Faves 4/9/10

2010-04-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

A day late.... here they are for this week!

1. Eclectic Artsy Cafes

I love, love finding new & fun artsy restaurants!! We were in downtown Fargo this week and found this FABULOUS cafe "First & Deli" - everything is homemade, even the bread! They are known for miles because of their amazing homemade soups. Plus the antiques and knickknacks giving the cafe it's charm were all for sale. It was great fun browsing & eating there!!

2. Being Published!!

I was contacted by 2 different magazines this week for publication- 9 projects total! I am sooooo excited!!!

3. Zhu Zhu Pets

this is a new favorite in my house... Anabelle currently has 2 of these fun little hamsters and they are a blast to watch! (And there is no mess or stink! LOVE THAT!)

4. Typeset Blocks

this is a fun new thing I have decided to collect. I love antiques, and so of course old "stamps" would catch my eye. I picked up a few this week at an antique gallery- fun!

5. Shear Genius

I debated whether or not to use this one... I have watched this show since season 1, and I have always really enjoyed it. I saw the finale tonight and I was so upset that Brig won.... so not sure if this should be on my faves or not... love the show- hate the season 3 winner!! I wish Janine would have won, but at least she made it to the final. I will watch next year of course ;0)

well that's it for this week... hope y'all are enjoying Spring!!

Blessings~ Zoa

My Favorite Commercial

2010-04-08T14:11:00.001-07:00

This is my favorite commercial right now!

It makes me laugh every time I see it!

Sooooooooooooo funny!

Blessings~ Zoa

In love with "Life's Portrait"

2010-04-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

Just finished up my first page with "Life's Portrait"

by Webster's Pages

I am sooooo in love with this gorgeous new line!

AND!!!

I finally got the Bloomers

that have been on back order since CHA! YIPPEE!!

I made this page to complete the 2nd LEO Challenge

over at the Tally Scrapper site.

We were challenged to scraplift one of the new DT members,

and I chose a beautiful layout by Mikki Boyd-

thanks Mikki for the great inspiration!

"LAUGH"

My friend Emily Dawes took this picture of my mom and me laughing. This is one of my very favorite pictures of us! I have been waiting for the perfect paper to scrap it... what can be more perfect than a paper line called "Life's Portrait"?

Only 2 more days 'til the weekend....Happy Scrapping! ;0)

Blessings~ Zoa

A Challenge Page & A Toot!

2010-04-05T14:27:00.000-07:00

A new page...

I made this for the "LEO" Challenge over at

Tally Scrapper

This is a picture of me and my sister, Caroline in San Marco last spring. I love this pic of us!

The challenge was to use:

2 Photos

2 Pieces of Pattern Paper

2 Staples or Buttons

ALSO!

I got an email from Scrap Street,

and they accepted some of my pages!!!

YIPPEE!

I am so excited- it is my first time being published by them!

Blessings~ Zoa

Friday Faves 4/2/10

2010-04-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

1. Easter

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He sent His only son, that whoever believes in Him will not die, but have everlasting life."

2. Blue Jays

Let's read between the lines here (SPRING!) I have really enjoyed watching the Blue Jays in my yard this week, I am so happy winter is over!!

3. Tulips

They are so beautiful and I always think of Easter & Spring when I see them blooming!

4. Easter Candy (Robin Eggs & Reese's Eggs)

Yes, it is true. These are my 2 FAVES for Easter Candy! I love love love them!!

5. Pink Paislee Queen Bee Collection

I actually just saw this for the first time this week and I LOVE it! I hope to find some soon and start playing!!

Pink Paislee Queen Bee

There ya go- another week, another list of Faves!

I hope you are enjoying the holiday weekend with your family- I pray that you spend some time reflecting on what this holiday REALLY means... the sacrifice that Jesus made dying on the cross for us, and then the miracle when he rose 3 days later! Hallelujah- He is Risen!!!

Blessings~ Zoa

Tally Scrapper DT Call

2010-03-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

Soooo I am trying out for the Tally Scrapper DT!

We have to submit 3 brand new pages and all the members vote-

the top 3 most votes make it!

(so if you are a member- PLEASE go vote for me!)

Here are my submissions:

"A Beautiful Sight"

"Friends"

"My 4"

I used Pencil Lines Sketches for these Layouts,

and the last 2 I used the Swirlydoos "Vintage Chic" Kit

Wish me luck- and PLEASE vote!!

(voting ends 3/31 at midnight)

Scrappy Garage Sale

2010-03-27T22:15:00.000-07:00

Such a fun day!

Charity & I went to a scrapbook garage sale in Moorhead, MN. I have never been to one, and I was amazed at the HUGE crowd of women there to do some serious shopping! There were 30 vendors set up with TONS of stuff- I was in rummaging-scrapbooking heaven! (2 of my absolute favorite things to do!)

Look at this line!!!

I am happy to report, that even with the plethora of amazing items (at amazing prices!) I was able to reign myself in and only get things I thought I would definitely use.

Here is a picture of the treasures I came home with:

7 Gypsies Wax & Seals Kit (MRP: $20.00) GSP: $3.00
Artsy.licious Ribbon x 2 (MSP: $16.00) GSP $3.00
American Crafts Rub-Ons (MRP: $7.99) GSP: $1.50
Chatterbox Stitched Felt Stickers (MRP: $5.00) GSP: $1.00
Creative Charms Shimmer Flowers (MRP: $2.99) GSP: $.50
4 Ltd Edition Club Scrap Stamps (MRP: $40.00) GSP: $4.00
Stampa Rosa Background Stamp (MRP: $12.00) GSP: $1.00
A stamp in The Hand Co. Stamp (MRP: $10.00) GSP: $1.00
6 7 Gypsies Mini Books (MRP: $25.00) GSP: $5.50

Retail Price: $139.00

Garage Sale Price: $20.50!!

....now that is what I call a good deal!

Friday Faves 3/26/10

2010-03-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a crazy week for me.... I have been having some medical issues, and this week was full of Dr appointments, hospital visits, tests etc. It started on Monday and the next thing I knew it was Friday.

I hope you all had a better week than me, so here's to the weekend & my Faves of the week!

1. Blood Donations

not exactly the first thing most people think of when they think of favorites, but if you need a blood transfusion, this could save your life! I was so thankful this week to have the blood that 2 unknown people donated- thank you!

2. Naps

I have slept so much this week, but I always feel refreshed when I wake up! Definitely one of my favorites this week! (thank you Matt for letting me sleep!)

3. Chinchillas

Our family has decided this will be our next pet. They are so cute and they DON'T STINK.

Adorable!!

4. Pogo

Have you ever been to this online game sight? I have been a member for years... there are 100's of games and you get a "mini" that you can dress & buy things for. I played on here a lot this week while I was under the weather. Here is my spring mini:

5. Scrapbook Garage Sale!

ok I have never been to one, but I absolutely love the concept! One of our semi-local scrapbook stores is having one tomorrow morning with 30 vendors! I am really excited to go and hopefully find some good stuff!!

Hope you have a great weekend and you are enjoying Spring!

Blessings~ Zoa

Cheeky Magpie

2010-03-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

I saw Sheila's work over on ScrapStreet

and her handmade flowers are gorgeous!!

She just came out with this ebook tutorial- check it out!

You can visit her blog HERE

Glitz Design Presents: Vintage Love

2010-03-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

WOW- I am in LOVE!

Have you seen this?

I am wondering- HOW DID I MISS THIS?

New from Glitz Design:

"Vintage Love"

{appropriately named}

Glitz Design Whatnots.

Glitz Design Paper Layers -very thin, tissue like paper.

Glitz Designs Accent stickers.

At the risk of sounding like Veruca Salt,

"I want it all, and I want it NOW!"

Friday Faves 3/19/10

2010-03-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

Woop Woop!! It's Friday!

Time for my Favorites of the week:

1. Cherry Coke

and not the usual way either.... my favorite restaurant indulgence is a Coke with Grenadine and Cherries! I love love love them! what a treat! Yuuuummm

2. Girls Night Out

I love getting out with the girls and leaving Matt & the kids behind! It is so nice just to laugh and talk with other women- such a wonderful stress reliever! We have a group of fabulous moms that get together a couple times a month, and last night we went out to dinner and it was such a wonderful time! I can't wait til the next one!

(this is not us, but I always feel happy like these ladies look!)

3. Red River of the North Series by Lauraine Snelling

I started reading this series because it takes place right here in the Red River Valley of North Dakota where I live. It has been so popular, that the author has now written 14 books in this series. I just started the 10th book in the saga of the Bjorklund family & I can hardly put these books down- they are soooo good!

4. Pizza Hut Thin Crust Pizza

Seriously- I forgot how good this pizza was! I haven't had it in years, and it is delicious!! Definitely worth a spot on this week's faves

5. CROPS!

I am sure I don't have to actually elaborate on this! What scrapper doesn't love the opportunity to go and scrapbook with friends? (and no kids or husbands or chores...)

My dear friend, Charity surprised me this afternoon with an unplanned crop tonight in Fargo- I literally had 30 mins to get ready & get my stuff together. It was awesome!!!

sooo there are my faves for the week- hope you are enjoying your weekend!!

Zoa :)

PS!! I didn't even know it, but apparently My sweet husband read my Faves list last week, and he actually surprised me with a bouquet of CHARTREUSE ROSES! I was very impressed! :)

Spring Flood of 2010

2010-03-18T23:13:00.000-07:00

We have had warm, spring-like weather here in NoDak for the past couple weeks... very unusual for March {spring generally happens in late April/ early May here}

And although this Florida gal is REALLY enjoying the early warm up, it is causing flooding all over the Red River Valley. Last year we had record flooding in the eastern part of the state, and this year we are waiting to see how high the water will rise. The Goose River branches off the Red River and runs right through my town of Mayville, which is the main source of flooding here.

I decided to start a daily photo journal documenting the rising water here in Mayville.

Here are the pictures I took today 3/18/10 at appox 5:30pm

huge chunks of ice clogging up the river

an abandoned house on the river bank, already flooded

2-3 days before the crest

the river has already crested the bank on the south side of the

bridge and is flooding the campgrounds

the river is flowing rapidly

flooded camp ground

The Rainbow Gardens underwater

more overland flooding

Island Park starting to flood

The road is already underwater here

The Pizza Shop had some of the worst flood destruction last year.

This year, they are rebuilt and prepared for the worst

{still open for business!}

this road has also been closed

I took this picture to measure the rising of the water.

I am interested to see how high the water will reach

on the hydrant tomorrow

More pictures to come tomorrow!

Webster's & Tattered Angels- A Match Made in Scrappy Heaven!

2010-03-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

More Webster's Pages...

Magical Wishes

"Prince Charming"

I used "Ever After" & "Prince Frog" paper for this layout featuring my very charming son, Oliver. I used Glimmer Mist, the new Prima Flowers Ribbon & a Making Memories frame. Lots of fun!

Thanks for stopping by!

Embellissez-Moi - Stats
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Embellissez-Moi

ScrapFest 2010!

Caring Bridge

Friday Favs 6/18/10

I am sooooo relieved the skunk was ok,

but after seeing how adorable it was (and TINY!)

now I want one so bad as a pet....

I would get him "De-PU'ed"! ♥

Scrap Yourself Challenge 7

SY Challenge 7 Sneak Peek!!

SY Challenge 6 is Up!!

XOXO June Challenge & DT Reveal

Friday Faves 6/4/10

I'm Featured!

Scrap Yourself Challenge 5

SY Challenge 5 Sneak Peek!!

May & June Pubs

Friday Favs 5/28/10

SNR Subscription Special

SY Challenge 4 Reveal!

Friday Favs 5/21/10

Scrap Yourself Challenge 3

SY Challenge 3 Sneak Peek

Friday Favs 5/14/10

SY Challenge 2 is Up!!

May's Prima Product Pick

7 Gypsies Stamps

Birthday Bash WINNERS!!!

I'm #37!!!

Birthday Bash Day #7- FINAL DAY!

Saturday 5/8 Winner!!

Birthday Bash Day #6

Friday 5/7 Winner!!

Friday Faves 5/7/10

XOXO May Challenge & DT Reveal

Birthday Bash Day #5

Thursday 5/6 Winner!!

New DT Announcement!

XOXO Design Team!

LIPSTICK CHICKS DESIGN TEAM!

LIPSTICK CHICKS DESIGN TEAM!

If you haven't already, check out the

If you haven't already, check out the

XOXO Girls Challenge Blog

Birthday Bash Day #4

Wednesday 5/5 Winner!!

Scrap Yourself Challenge 1

Birthday Bash Day #3

Tuesday 5/4 Winner!

Birthday Bash Day #2

Monday 5/3 WINNER!

Birthday Bash Day #1

The countdown is on...

Friday Faves 4/30/10

Big News!

Fun with Photoshop

Scrap Yourself Spotlight

Stamp Sale

Friday Faves 4/23/10... Art Journaling

CTMH Projects

I'm Published!

DT Announcement!

Friday Faves 4/16/10

Friday Faves 4/9/10

My Favorite Commercial

In love with "Life's Portrait"

A Challenge Page & A Toot!

Friday Faves 4/2/10

Tally Scrapper DT Call

Scrappy Garage Sale

Friday Faves 3/26/10

Cheeky Magpie

Glitz Design Presents: Vintage Love

Friday Faves 3/19/10

Spring Flood of 2010

Webster's & Tattered Angels- A Match Made in Scrappy Heaven!