Online Shop Opening Soon

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Hey there everyone!

I'm excited and I'm stressed about my online shop being launched in the upcoming week! 

It was originally going to be launched this Monday, however due to time restraints and never ending work shifts, I have to push d-day to this Wednesday 7 March! (>_<) It was pretty hard decision to make, but I'm stressing and lacking sleep to the point where something needs to change. I'm sincerely sorry for the wait but I know you guys who are anticipating the launch (who ever you are >.<) will understand, because you're all lovely :) I've never done anything like this before, so to me it's important that I get this done right! Well as close to right I can get! I'll be making sure everything is covered, and straight forward enough :) *fingers crossed for the best*

Since there's a delay in the my shop launch, I'll leave you with a few sneaky peeks of what you can expect this coming Wednesday (^____^) Hope you enjoy!

Alright it's 2am now >.< and it's best for me to get some rest before work tomorrow morning! I'm excited for tomorrow because I get to see my girlfriends and cousins again for one of my good friend's 25th birthday at night time - themed classic 50-60's :) It'll be my one night off from all this work so yay! (^_^) time to party hard! Not too hard though, since I've got work early on Monday too (=___=) why oh why?! 

Anyway, hope everyone's having a lovely weekend so far :) 

Stay nice and warm, away from the never ending rain in Melbourne! 

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  

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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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My Family Christmas 2011

1. Santa and I with all of my presents from family this year!! (^-^) so spoilt!!  2. My gorgeous family, minus my dad who had to work late (sadface) but I still love this photo :)  3. Vinh hogging all of the yummy roast Chicken! haha yup, he's just wearing a headband :P  4. Presents galore!!!  5. My presents from Anna (pretty bracelet) and Vinh (pretty Karen Miller watch) <3 <3  6. Cute and delicious xmas cake from Breadtop!! (^__^)  7. Jenny, Santa and Vicky! <3  8. Cute lil cupcakes provided by Thao and Loi :)  9. A massive memory board that I made for Jenny and Benny's new house :) so happy they loved it!! 

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My family and I celebrated our Christmas early this year, like every other year (>.<), but this time we celebrated it at Jenny and Benny's new house in Ringwood! :D And I must say, it's a beautiful and cute little house, perfect for two people (^___^) I loved how they furnished everything, classy! They're lucky too that it's a brand new house that they bought off the market :) everything's so new!! I made a big deal at of how pretty and clean the light switches were LOL, everyone just kind of shook their heads...

Moving along haha! Dinner was so yummy! Roast chicken, pork belly, fried rice and duck/jellyfish salad, an Asian Christmas dinner and I was so satisfied after finishing a big plate of everything (^__^) after cleaning up, it was PRESENT TIME!! I can't believe how many presents there were under the tree this year, everyone in the family really went all out, even with the wrapping! LOL Seemed like we were all trying to top everyone else with our beautiful wrapping skills :P Ben was the Santa this year, and he definitely fit the part, and he made it more Aussie by holding a beer stubby in the other hand while handing out gifts! LOL XD *shakes head* 

All in all, it was such a nice relaxing night after such a hectic week and day!! Every year I'm always thinking the same, at how time is flying by so fast, and how quickly everyone is growing up and getting on with their adult lives. Two of my sisters have moved out now, and I'll be graduating next year *fingers crossed*, and my little brother is not so little anymore (@___@) far out! 

I really do love my family <3 We've had rough patches here and there during this year, but it was obvious that everyone made a great effort this year for Christmas, and it was just wonderful to have everyone having such a fun night giving out presents and enjoying each other's company <3 

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It's Christmas Eve tonight, so I sure do hope everyone'll make it home in time to spend a wonderful night with their family or friends :) I'll be spending it with family watching Kung Fu Panda, and eating chocolate ice-cream with lychee! (^__^) <3 

* Merry Christmas Everyone *

Let your loved ones know you love them tonight :)

Love, from Julie xox

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Camera Roll Update #3

1.  A gift for my cousin's 24th birthday, because he's involved in a never ending love affair with all the high class brands :) Seriously, his credit card suffers every month from his spending habits (>.<)  2.  A birthday gift for Greg, the chef at my family's cafe :) it's a memory board that I made from a tea towel (bought from Typo!)  3.   and I got everyone to sign on the back (^-^) he was ecstatic about it!  4. a snapshot memento from the lunch I had with Vivian and Leah along Chapel street last weekend @ Soda Rock Diner (^-^) it was an old school diner setting, with the table juke box and everything! Loved the experience and the burgers were yumm!  5.  A handful of stamps I picked up Typo, seriously loving that shop (>___<)  6. A catch up dinner/dessert with my good ol' uni buddies :) It's been so long since we've all got together! Farewell Freda* hahaha X)  7. A birthday gift from Alice & Tri (^_^) it's a wooden jewellery cupboard! Love opening up the little doors and draws! Can't wait to paint it too :) Thanks for the lovely surprise you guys!! <3  8. My outfit/make up for a night out @ Love Machine for one of my best friend Cat's birthday last night :) it was a rocking night hehe!  9. A birthday gift from Serinna (^-^) such a pretty necklace! Wore it to Love Machine too :) Thank you lovely!! 10. A parcel delivery from Dear Monday (^-^) woo hoo! New shades and black bondage leggings :)  11. Part one of my birthday present for dear Cat! (^___^) isn't it cute?! so happy she loved it!  12. Instax photos from my day out for Cat's birthday with karaoke and dumplings for dinner! <3 

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Wow! Major photo update of what's been happening lately for me and the past couple of weekends (>.<) Which explains why I haven't been able to find much time to blog much, and when I do, I'm too tired to even think about going on the computer (>.<) And it's sad to say but I'm a little behind on my paintings too! (ultimate sadface) :( No kidding, it makes me sad thinking about it.. But it's good that I carry a sketch book around with me whenever I go out, so that I'll be able to draw down any silly ideas that run through my mind :) So far it's been proved productive! 

Also, things are starting to move forward with my friend's event: Stage Fright that I will be a part of as one of the showcasing artists. I'm now one of the hamper basket organisers! We'll be compiling up to 3-4 raffle ticket baskets (filled with home-made goodies and artworks from the artists) to be won to raise funds for the event, and then baskets to be won on the day of the event! I'll be donating a few of my paintings/frames and memory boards for the baskets :) // Last week we had a meeting on Sunday, and it was good to meet other crew members that are all helping out with making this event happen! I met another artist, who will also be showcasing her work on the day, and it was great! She's a hardcore illustrator who works for Madman! It felt so nice to meet someone who has the same mindset and be able to talk about it with them :) She was an inspiration and encouraging with my work when I spoke about my insecurities and worries. (>.<)

Anyway, it's already 1:30am now and I should really hit the hay (~_~) as I do have work tomor, wah. I hope everyone will have a lovely week ahead of them, and enjoy their holidays if they've finished their exams!! :) and OH! Hello hello to my new followers! :D It's nice to meet you!

Love, from Julie xox

P.S. Just want to say a quick little something for the birthday girl <3 

Happy 23rd Birthday Dear Cat! :) 

Isn't it crazy how time flies? It's already your birthday again, and I swear it felt like it was only yesterday we went to the Filo festival for your 22nd! But it means that I'm lucky enough to still have you as one of my best friends today (and forever more man!!) You are one of the greatest people I know and you deserve all the sunshine life can give! You've always been such an inspiration with your passion for life and I admire how you find the strength to fight for what's right. It makes me want to be more assertive and strong too. So thank you man, for always being there to lend your shoulder for me to lean on through tough times, and to share a random fit of giggles over something stupid (-_-) for our fun times together :) Love you Cat, I sincerely hope you did you enjoy your birthday weekend with your loved ones <3 *muah muah* 

Love from J xx

P.S. Part two of your gift will be coming soon :) woo hoo!

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Anna's Graduation!

(found via tumblr) 

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My graduation gifts for my sister Anna :) A painting to act as a reminder to always bring her own sunshine, her own special qualities to light, wherever she may be headed in life. And a memory board to hold all of her graduation instax/photos :) 

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Today I finished work early for once @ 2PM! Had to quickly get dressed into pretty clothes so that half of my family and I could attend Anna's Graduation @ Deakin University in Geelong! That's nearly an hour's drive away from Melbourne (>_>) but the weather was nice, a little windy, so it was okay! I was able to grab a quick nap before arriving, which was very much needed because I've been exhausted lately from working and late nights. 

The ceremony started at 5PM, but my parents and I were allowed to go in earlier because my dad's in crutches, so that makes him special :) It was probably a little boring for me only because I didn't know anyone but my sister that was graduating, plus, it wasn't my own graduation! But I was very proud to see my sister stand up there on stage, receiving her diploma for her bachelors :) She had the dorkiest smile on her face once she had spotted us sitting in the audience, waving to her! LOL 

1. She's like my best friend <3  2. She loved her gift (^_^)  3. Anna reading the Deakin Ceremony guide, looking for her name ~  4. Found it! :D  5. My gifts for her ~  6. Graduates standing up at the beginning of the ceremony, everyone looking so spiffy!  7. My sister on stage, smiling for the camera after mum embarrassing called out to her while all was quiet (=_____=) lmao  8. One day it'll be my turn! :) Let's hope it's next year!  9. My little memento from the evening <3 

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This week has been hectic, and I feel a little behind on a lot of things, but after getting home tonight from Geelong, I've been able to take care a few things. My heart is a little more at ease now, especially since my room is much tidier than it was the previous night! Don't you find that you're more stressed when your room is a mess? I always feel a lot better once I start folding all my clothes again, pack them away, and just sort things out to where they belong. Less clutter, less stress! 

On top of everything that's been on my plate, I'm napping more than I should after work :( so I tend to wake up at 10pm, when everyone sleeps! (=_=) and I miss dinner.. and yeah, better take better care of myself! Come on Julie! You're not a freaking machine! (>_<) 

Welp, best continue with getting things done, so my weekend won't be so jam-packed again! :) And I can't believe it's not even 11PM yet! Woo! I might even be able to get a good night's rest tonight! 

Have a lovely weekend everyone! :) 

Love, from Julie xox

P.S. Watched Crazy, Stupid Love with my cousin on Tuesday night, and I LOVED IT! <3 Ryan Gosling is so freaking hot...I couldn't help but punch my cousin with excitement when he first made his appearance LOL. So sexy (*__*)

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Fabrics & More!!

I seriously can't get enough of looking at all of the fabrics that are made available at Spotlight!! (>_<) I went last weekend on the Saturday afternoon to buy my first batch of fabrics that will be offered for custom-made memory boards/photo frames made by yours truly :) It was such an exciting hour or so for me! LOL I couldn't stay still in one spot for too long because there was always something that caught my eye, making me run to the next spot and so on. It took me ages to finally settle on a few patterns/textiles that will fit within my budget (>_>) but I'm really happy with my finds :) <3

My favourite would definitely have to be the heart pattern (most expensive >.<) and the 'whale' pattern! All I can think of when I look at the latter is 'Whale you be my girlfriend?' .. 'I Whale.' LOL 

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My weekend was really good in terms of relaxing and getting some things sorted out :) 

Yesterday I got to meet up with Sarah (xdollhouse), Kim (xxshinrai) and Cat (khatsii) for some lunch in the city! Haha, now before you think it's some kind of bloggers meet up, you should know that...IT TOTALLY WAS LOL (nah nah, I'm just kidding, these girls would kill me if I kid like that for reals :P) I just couldn't stop laughing at that idea the whole time at brunch! XD  

Anyway, it's been so long since I've gone out during the day, dressed up and not in my usual work clothes! The weather was beautiful, despite the chill in the air. We settled to have lunch in one of the alleyways next to GPO near Bourke St - called 'Ca de Vin' - and I really enjoyed the experience! 

One, it wasn't Asian cuisine, which is what we usually go to! It was italian based(?) so we had a couple of fancy pasta dishes (I like to think they were fancy.. :P), a margarita pizza and salt/pepper calamari <3 It was pretty delish :) Two, it was placed under this marquee, so you could still feel the nice breeze every now and then, while being under cover. Three, the service was so friendly! I was given free ice because a waitress was worried my drink was getting too hot! SO SWEET! XD 

Here are a few photos that I've stolen from Sarah's xdollhouse blog hehe :) 

Don't these photos look dreamy to you? :P hehe It's not just you, it's actually one of the settings on Sarah's new camera! haha! Seems like a pretty fun feature! XD 

Afterwards, we just wandered around the city for a couple more hours till we had to head home. I got to train home with Sarah, woo hoo! :D I walked around Chaddy for a little while before their shops started closing. I ended up buying a large photo frame for my family's living room :) it can hold up to 9 photos, and has the word 'FAMILY' as part of the frame, love it! I also got into a really nice convo with  the girl who worked in that particular shop (^_^) I like holding conversations with strangers and feel like you're talking to an old friend, made me chipper as I walked home :)

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Made myself another moodboard for my desktop couple of nights ago :) It's basically just a collection of my recent favourite pictures/photos and quotes that I've found on tumblr, put all together pretty like for me to look at, to inspire and motivate me to just keep moving forward <3

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Not much else to blog about, except that I'm being kept busy with doing commission work for my friend, sister and couple other friends now too! :D Going to work hard on them now, anything to keep me awake till I can sleep at a normal hour tonight! Been napping at 5pm, and waking up at 10pm lately... NOT GOOD! (=_=) I wake up when everyone else is going to sleep! Need my sleep so I can function properly at work haha! 

Oh yeah, it was definitely Monday Madness today at work (=_=) rah, and that is all I can say. 

Hope everyone will have a lovely week a head of them! :) Study hard, so you can play hard! 

My favourite song to listen to atm, I Got You - Leona Lewis <3

Love, from Julie xox

P.S. I finally got my package from BadBarbie! My copy Litas have finally arrived! (>_<) 

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