Nothing Else Matters

Recently I was lucky enough to spend some quality time with someone special and it's times like that that makes me think, nothing else matters at the end of the day when we still have each other. I know all that 'love' talk can be corny and awkward for some, but I love it. I love that I feel this way and that it's not going away. That it's making a pretty big impression on me, even if there are days where it can get so hard. I honestly don't know where it's all headed, but I'm not going to worry. Because that's just a waste of my energy (and I worry so much already!) So I'd rather invest my efforts into being happy with what I have now :) 

***

I'm back with another quick blog post about what I've been up to lately (^_^) trying to get back into blogging regularly, so I won't be so behind on things I have to post up! Things are still pretty hectic (don't think it'll slow down til mid year), but I'm doing my best to keep my cool and get things done, slowly but surely. Slowly but surely. 

The Self Portrait Project

I've recently finished the Self Portrait Project, which I signed up with the Art House Co Op (located in Brooklyn Art Library, New York) about a month ago or so. Finally got around to working on it the past few days and happy to say I'm ready to send it off tomorrow to be post marked before May 15th! I worked along side with Dragonboy on this project, so we made it so it was matching paintings (^___^) It was a very sweet and cute idea at first, but as we continued painting with that idea, we figured that it was just super corny (=____=) LOL but oh well, we stuck with it, and I added a little message for Art House Co Op to request if our paintings could be placed next to each other for corny sake :) Hope they will! <3 Here are a few photos of the progress:

I haven't painted with acrylic for a long while (before the Pop M'Art project as well >.<) and never have I ever done such a realistic painting on canvas too! Dragonboy hasn't since high school, so it was a really fun experience for us both, playing and mixing the limited colours we were working with :) After long hours of working and snacking, this is the result of both of our paintings...

Matching canvases, a little corny but I love it anyway :)

I'm quite happy with how mine turned out, though I'm not sure if I shaded up the skin colour right haha! I used a mix of acrylic and colour pencils to complete my piece :) And a lil fineliner for the eyes. I didn't realise how big I painted my eyes until Dragonboy pointed it out (=_=) oh well! I guess I also wanted to explore a different side of me as a self portrait piece, but looking at it now makes me happy regardless :) Glad I took part in this project, definitely looking forward to signing up for more projects with Art House Co Op in the future! 

Even though I'm still working a couple of other projects I signed up for already (>.<) haha more info soon in later blog posts! :) They're all due before end of April, so STRESS levels are rising haha. 

***

Okay, so now it's time for bed! I hope everyone's having a great week so far with this lovely hot weather we've been having lately! Even though I'm looking forward to the colder months, it's nice to have a few days were you can just wear a t-shirt and not worry about rain or being cold :) 

Keep smiling <3

Love, from Julie xox

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In my little world lately...

1.  I Am Courageous - a Little Julie commission painting for one of Zoe's friends :)  2. Graduation gifts that I made for my friends, where they can slip in an instax photo in (kind of like a mini memory board ^_^)  3. Love doesn't make the world go round .. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile - a couple of A3 sized commission paintings for Lilah's friend for Christmas :) I hope her friend will like it!! The first one is the two of them relaxing on a beach, and the second one is the two of them enjoying a roller coaster ride (^__^)  4. Sometimes I just wanna touch the stars - a Little Julie commission painting for Zoe's sister :)  5. This is my favourite one out of all of my commission paintings lately <3  

***

So these paintings are my latest accomplishments for my little painting business :) These are made as Christmas orders for the girls at work! So I was on a tight schedule to make sure they're all finished and framed up by last Tuesday night (>_<) because the cafe closes for the holidays on Wednesday! And it didn't really help that I was sick hahaha! Oh well, the girls were so happy with their paintings :) And I have my fingers crossed that the recipients of these paintings will be too! 

Even though these are done, I still have a list of paintings I must finish before 2011 ends (>_<) So I best get right on it! It's Christmas day at the moment, and so far I've just been at home, and watched some Bob the Builder Christmas special on TV while eating my brunch hahaha :P how exciting! 

I hope everyone's having 

a lovely Christmas Day so far! 

Let's hope it won't be major storms in Melbourne tonight.. though the skies do look grey and cloudy (-_-) stupid melbourne weather! *shakes fists*  

Love, from Julie xox

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Spare a mo` for me?

Hehe, a little painting I specifically did for my birthday today (^_^) and please excuse my little mistake.. feel so fob haha (>_>)

And I thought the mo' was somewhat appropriate as we are now entering a new month, November! :D or can also be known as Movember! I'm not a man (well, duh..even though I like to say that word a lot..) but raising awareness for men's health is definitely a good cause. Thumbs up to all the guys who are participating in this worthy event :) good luck! 

***

So today is my 22nd birthday! <3 

I actually nearly forgot it was my birthday till I started getting Facebook notifications on birthday wishes on my wall! hehe Thanks a lot everyone! :) you guys are all very sweet! 

It's hard to believe that a year has come and gone already since my 21st birthday. So much has changed, but I'm happy that I've been able to achieve things that make myself proud. I guess now I'm well on my way into adult hood..waahh! Before I know it, I'll be 30! (>_<) So I definitely should make the most of what I've got now, and enjoy life as it comes. And if I'm not satisfied with it, let me find the courage to make things happen for myself so I can continue to move forward :) 

haha, this was my event display photo for my birthday :P lovely isn't it?

***

And I've made a good deal of progress with my commission paintings this long weekend (>_<) Very happy with myself, and I sure hope my clients/friends will be happy with them :) Best for me to get to bed now, since it's back to work for me tomorrow! (>.<) let's hope the chef will bake up a batch of my favourite muffins for my special day! :D 

Hope everyone is having a lovely week so far! *fingers crossed* the sun will continue to shine today! 

Love, from Julie xox

P.S. Hello hello to my new followers! :D Thanks for dropping by and following my lil blog! Don't be a stranger and say hello! I won't bite hehe (^_^) xox

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My 22nd Birthday Celebrations!

My favourite photo of the RMIT Uni kids before clubbing <3 taken by Dantay's iPhone!

***

This long weekend so far has been 

one of the best for me in a long while! ^-^ 

I had such a great and fun time on Friday night with friends for drinks and clubbing @ Alumbra for their Halloween night! As soon as I got home from work at 4:30PM, it was a major rush to get all ready by 5:30pm so that Cat, Juan and Kim could come pick me up! But alas, traffic was bad, the weather was bad, so that made us over an hour late for drinking at Alumbra before clubbing (>_<) 

My outfit for the night, I'm blueeee da da di dum! hehe <3

We got there at 7:30PM, an hour left before the bar kicks us out before clubbing starts! Serinna, Cindy and Isaac were there already waiting (>.<) sorry guys for making you wait! But it was so good to see them again, it's been so long! And Dantay and KK joined us soon after! So exciting! :D Haven't seen them for months! Rah rah rah. Bought some food for everyone and shared a couple of 2 for 1 champagne drinks hehe :) Keith and Dinh arrived soon after! 

The night was still young, but I was already buzzing with excitement (>_<) 

1. Kim and I with the beautiful flowers that her, Cat and Juan surprised me with! ^-^   2. Me and Keith, such a girl haha :P   3. beautiful Serinna, Kim and super Tall meeeee!! :D

***

The weather was a little crappy though, was raining non-stop when we left Alumbra at 8:30PM. Thank gosh we were able to find shelter at the Channel 7 building across the road! We were soon joined by Alice, Tri, Ciara and Ian! :) 

Naww, I was jumping all over the place! 

***

We  headed back to Alumbra for clubbing at around 9:30PM, waiting in line for their doors to open! The rain was still going at it hardcore, but we were inside the club not long after! Thank you Cat for organising Free entry for me! (^___^) whoop whoop! After freshening up with the girls, we were ready to PARTY!!!! <3 I honestly didn't need to be drunk to be already dancing like a loser LOL 

For the rest of the night, it was just FUN :) like you just let loose for a night, and just deal with things as they come. I had a few work mates come join soon after too! I'm so happy they were able to make it! ^-^ Shame about Marco though (-_-) who wasn't wearing proper clothes! But other than that, I had so much fun dancing till my feet hurt, drinking with my friends and laughing at everything! No kidding, I fell over into this hole (which I thought was a seat), and I laughed. x) I guess I'm a happy drunk hehe! 

Here are more of my favourite photos from the night from my camera! <3 

1. Cat shouting me my first shot! It was actually really nice! :D orange something.. hehe!  2. On the dance floor with Kimu and Vivies! <3  3. I think I was a little drunk by the time this shot was taken with Serinna haha!  4. photowhoringgg!!  5. Ciara and Ian shouting me my first ever ABC shot! LOL that's seriously poison.. (o_o)

***

Thank you for everyone that came out 

to celebrate with me for my 22nd :) 

I know the weather was so bad, and it was cold >.< but it was definitely one of the best nights for me! And I want to personally say thank you to Cat and Juan for being so kind and taking me home safely after such a buzzing night! I just fell asleep after some food after clubbing, and as soon as I know it, I was safely home, and Kim was helping me in! hehe <3 

But can you imagine my surprise when I looked into the mirror to wash my face, and Serinna's lovely art work was all over my face LOL! :P I had a freaking moustache, hearts all over and a bloody mono brow LOL!! I won't forget this girls.. (my drunk self couldn't stop laughing for a few minutes XD)

You've all made this birthday girl very happy :) Thanks again everyone <3 <3

Love, from Julie xox

P.S. I'm finally up to date with all of my drawings/paintings for my commission work! (>_<) finished doing the last sketches today, and started to paint them! I'm aiming to finish them all by the end of this long weekend so I can start giving/sending them out to my lovely customers :) Thanks for your patience guys! I'm really excited to show the end products to you soon!! <3

1. drawings that need colour! :)  2. the current state of my little arty corner <3


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Buff, Tough & Manly Stuff!

This was a saying that I made up when I was younger to encourage myself to get through tough situations. :) I think I really liked it because it rhymed LOL Oh..corny rhymes always wins me over. I swear, every time I would write up song lyrics (for good ol' music classes in school), they'd always rhyme in some way! And when I say 'manly' stuff, I don't mean I've literally got a little something extra in my pants.. :P 

Made a little painting out of it, to push me along with being able to handle all that's been on my plate lately. I can do this, yes yes I can. Can't wait to finally finish all of my commission paintings :) 

***

This is just a quick update, can't believe I haven't updated since last week (>_<) Rah! 

It's been busy for me, and there are just times where I'm just knocked out from either working/waking up early and other commitments that I just hibernate in my room for a few hours to catch up on some sleep. It's kind of tiring, this sleeping habit of mine lol. Don't think I'll be shaking it off any time soon with my BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONNNNNNNNN weekend that's coming up, along with my sister's wedding coming up with the weekend after! :D 

This weekend, the cafe will be closed for 4 WHOLE DAYS due to Melbourne Cup! That's like a freaking holiday for me! This Friday I'll be heading out to the city for drinks and dancing with friends for my birthday, coz I don't have to worry about work the very next day! Sweet! I seriously can't wait! It's going to be a Halloween themed night as well at Alumbra, so that'll be interesting :) I've got my dress all ready to go, so I sure hope the weather will be kind to us that night! Also, Cat's idea is to have everyone wear a lil yellow something on them, since that's my favourite colour! Love it <3

I'm getting a little shaky with excitement just thinking about! Just 3 more sleeps! (^_^) It's been so long since I've went out drinking out on the town, so what's a better occasion than for my birthday! :D and knowing that people, who are important to me, doing their best to make it, it means so much <3 Thank you guys, you know who you are :) muah* It makes me feel more thrilled for the night to come!

Hope everyone is having a lovely week so far, and keep warm if you're in Melbourne! 

(What's with the random chills lately.. -__-) 

Sweet dreams :) 

Love, from Julie xox

P.S. Do you notice my little 'Julie's Little World <3' trademark thing for my painting scan? That's actually a real stamp that I got custom made! :) I love using it now for my paintings! 

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Just Be Happy

#15 Little Julie - One of my favourite songs from Leona Lewis, 'Happy'

Life's about taking risks, and taking chances, even if it might mean you go down burning in flames. But it could also mean you discover happiness that you've never known before, and your life is changed forever. Whatever the outcome, at least you gave it a shot. I know I sound like a dork trying to explain how I interpret this song, and yes, I know it's about her getting her heart broken and is doing her best to move on, but underlining of it all is that she just wants to be happy despite of it - basically what I'm saying is that I know most of my choices can be seen as mistakes or stupid, but at one stage, it was what I wanted and it makes me happy, even if I know everything can just flip back to being crappy again very soon. It's all about saying 'So what if it's going to hurt me? I'm just trying to be happy'. 

(lol, I don't think that made any sense, but oh wells!)

Now and then it's good to pause in

our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.

***

1. My family's cafe with the front counter and kitchen in sight :) Doesn't it look like a little comfy cafe for you to just chill in?  2. TIMES sign above the coffee machine - these photos were taken for The Good Food Guide 2012!  3. Our display coffee cups are the best of friends! :) props to Nicole hehe!  4. The finished painting for Anna, for her friend Roxanne's birthday! I sure hope her friend likes it >.< My sister couldn't wait to show it to her friends, so sweet!  5. Anna specified that she wanted Adidas winged shoes to be part of the painting, so here they are :)   6. Couple of old photos that I dug up from my old hard drive, taken back in late 2009 - where I was just practicing my face decor for Cat's 21st birthday! I really liked wearing those feather lashes! :D Everyone looked great that night <3

***

So far all I know that this weekend is gonna be 
chock-a-block with things to do! 

On my agenda so far is working Saturday morning, cleaning out my closet so I can make room for my new one in my room, work on my commission paintings for Anna and my friend, continue working on setting up my small online shop... (>_<) wow! Life sure does get busy when you least expect it! I guess that's what happens when you start doing more things beyond your normal routine. :) It's good! 

Also, can't wait for this Sunday! :D Catching up with a couple of the girls, so I hope it'll be super nice weather, like it was today! Well, it was actually boiling hot in the cafe but it looked beautiful outside :) Spring is definitely in the air <3

Anyway, time for bed! Early wake up again tomorrow (>.<) Goodnight! 

Love, from Julie xox

P.S. Just want to say thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you for everyone who has liked my Facebook page for my work, and showing their support! I really do appreciate it! <3 And bonjour to my new followers (^_^) xoxo

P.P.S. You should definitely check out one of my friend's artwork via her Facebook page (here). Her name is Truccie, and she's a wonderful illustrator, working with digital media and with paints too! :D Such an inspiration, keep it up Truccie!! 

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Touch the Stars

#12 Little Julie - I miss those days where I could just climb up on my roof back in Adelaide, and look at the stars on a nice night. I'd get mighty dusty from climbing on the tiles, and my butt would eventually get numb from the hard ripply surface I laid on, but on the roof was where I felt above everything for a while. One of the best feelings. And it was definitely the best spot to watch fireworks from during New Years with my family :) 

But..It was super awkward when people, who are customers for the porn shop (yes...my old house was right next to a porn shop, I was totally a regular :P), would walk into the shop's back door, and we would both have clear sight of each other. Awkwarddddddddddddddddddddd!!!!! (>___>) 

***

It was totally arts and crafts for me this weekend, and I'm really happy with what I've made!! I was able to take some snaps for you guys to check it out :) whoop whoop! 

1. I made a fabric memory board out of one of my old canvases (^_^) haven't decided where I'm going to place it in my room, since it's so massive!! But I love it so much! :D Def. going to make more.. Would you guys buy them if I did? :) Be honest, I won't bite!  2. $5 Arts and Craft books from Chadstone's replacement bookstore for Borders! Everything was seriously $5! Check it out Melbourne people! :D  3. Since I'm looking into opening a small business for 'Julie's Little World', I have to plan! So here's my business book to keep a record of my costs, clients and what services I offer! :D Exciting stuff man!  4. I made special borders for these cheap photo frames I bought on Friday :) What do you think?  5. Boky bear with my memory board (^_^) 

***

Alrighty, it's time for another week of work! So good night everyone, and I hope you'll have a lovely week ahead of you! Let's hope Melbourne's weather will continue to be nice, seriously likey the sunshine today :) 

Love, from Julie xox

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My Saturday Night In

#11 Little Julie - Little tribute to one of my favourite gLee songs from Season 2 :) 

Personally, when I listen to this song, it's more about how people personally make me feel about myself in terms of my looks. It's only on a few or so occasions but it's not that much for me to be so fussed about, but doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. It probably hurts because I believe I'm fine just the way I am, until someone points out something wrong. I actually had a dream last night, and I came across this girl from high school, and she was just being horrible with bagging me out for what I was wearing (_ _") With that said, I just left the slumber party! (Lol, that's where I was in my dream) 

I also listen to it in terms of how I make myself feel about myself. I wouldn't say I have the highest self esteem, I've got my issues too - I let my bad hair days, days where my skin is just irritated ruin my mood (-_-) and sometimes I prefer to wear my contacts so I won't look so dorky at work, or whenever I'm going out. But I'm slowly and surely coming to terms that my glasses is a part of me and people do notice when I'm not wearing them - maybe coz my eyes don't look so big behind my big frames LOL Neh.. hate to admit it but I do feel more confident without my glasses. Kind of feel like I'm a different person, it's always been like that since I first got my prescribed contacts for my screwed up eyes since year 7! Mmm. But I do love wearing my glasses, I look smarter ;) harhar

But then there are also days where I just don't care, whatever goes - I like those days best :)

***

End of another week of work, and tomorrow's my day off! (^-^)

I've been doing a lot for my painting and etc this weekend so far. While others are partying and drinking up, I'm at home doing arts and crafts in my little work shop LOL Wish I could go out, but hopefully I will be tomorrow :) Anyway, I'm really excited now for 'Julie's Little World', it's still so small right now, the idea, but it's growing, and I'd say that things are starting to come together!! Whoop whoop! I'll post up some photos of what I've been up to sometime this week :) :) 

And, can you believe, it's already 2am (-_-) time for bed, maybe a little reading. Started reading Jodi Picoult's - My Sister's Keeper - because I bought the DVD as well. Didn't know whether to read the book or watch the film first, since there's pros and cons - but bleh, that led to too much thinking, so I just started reading the book! It's pretty good so far, a more heavier read than Perks of Being A Wall Flower (loveeeeeeed it) but I can manage :) 

Anyway, good night lovelies! And Hello to my new followers! Thank you for stopping by my page and deciding to follow! Makes my day (^_^) don't be a stranger! <3 

Love, from Julie xox

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Hello October!

1. Finally started using my necklace stand, since I bought it last year (-_-)  2. There are days where you can't help but feel a little lonely  3. My outfit when I went to Chaddy on Friday night :)  4. My lovely earrings, current obsession is roses, can you tell?  5. Can't wait to wear this top on a night out :)  6. My favourite cup that I bought at Daiso's, Doncaster - I was drinking chocolate milk! :D  7. a must DSLR face by me  8. My favourite rings at the moment  9. Whatchuuuuuuu looking at?  10. The cover of my scrapbook - where I'll be placing all of my little julie paintings in. (^-^) I think it suits it just perfectly! 

***

Thought I would start off this new month with a lil camera roll of what's been happening for the past week. Not much to be honest! LOL Just work work work. Today was my 13th day working in a row, nearly 2 weeks straight (>_<) And I perfectly understand why, my family does need a extra hand and I'm a hard worker, who gets the job done! Anyway, I'm going to start getting Sundays off now because all the girls at work and I had a meeting yesterday after work :) They're happy to start helping out on weekends to allow me to have a day off once a week - which is super duper! Now I can start sleeping in on Sundays, and go out on Saturday nights without having to worry about work next day! 

But I do feel sorry for my older sister Jenny, who is the manager of the family cafe :( She hasn't had a day off since 3 weeks ago, since the cafe started weekend openings. It's great her boyfriend is willing to help her out on weekends though. Also, just wanted to announce, the couple bought a house together just a couple of days ago!!!!! Jenny and Benny will be living in Ringwood by the end of this year :) I'm so happy for those two, they've worked so hard to save save save for this moment! I wonder what it must feel like to actually buy your own home.. I sure hope I'll be able to experience that one day. 

Been shopping, again :) 

Last Thursday night, my sisters Anna, Jenny and I went dress shopping for our older sister's, Thao, wedding in November! (It's only just over a month away now, omg!) We were specifically looking for a dress for Jenny, and we found the perfect one after browsing through a couple of really nice dress stores (we even checked out gasp, lol) - Mariano was our last stop, and it was Jenny's favourite dress shop too! She didn't even try on the other dress she selected from their range! It's a long gown, with a bundle of small sequins around the chest area (shaped like a heart for her boobies lol) but there's a sheer neck bit .. hard to imagine with my lame description but it's beautiful :) 

Now it's time for me and Anna to find our own dresses! Time is seriously running out!

I went shopping for other things too, like looking for the perfect scrapbook/album where I can keep all of my paintings together in one place, more books to read (even though I'm still reading Perks of Being a Wallflower - great read though!) and yeah... I bought more accessories (>_<) and clothes.. and an electric blue clutch from Sportsgirl.. and that's about it. Phew. I guess the only thing that makes me feel better about shopping so much is that I know I've worked for this money :) No regrets! 

& thank you so much for everyone's support :) 

It's been about 4-5 days since I've made my Facebook page for my artwork, and I was seriously overwhelmed with happiness when people, from close to distant friends, to randoms and fellow bloggers, liked my page and gave me encouraging feedback! Made me so happy that I was close to happy tears, and that's definitely one of the best feelings. Since then, I've been getting more followers to this little blog of mine too! Thank you so much everyone, you've made this little girl's dimples hurt from all the smiling and her heart feel very warm ♥ 

This is how you made me feel guys, 'infinite'. Just like how Charlie felt when he was sitting in the car with Sam and Patrick on his way to his first school dance. :) 

It makes me feel excited about my future..

***


Now it's time to get our girly on!

I think it's about time for me to start getting ready for my girls' night sleep over at Kim's house tonight, with Alice and Cat (and hopefully Sarah too, come on browww!!!! RAHHHHHHHHHHH I'M SO EXCITED! ( ^0^ ) It's been so long since we've had one! And since I don't have to work this Sunday, it's even better :)

I hope everyone has a great weekend, stay warm and keep smiling :)

Love, from Julie xox            

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