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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What Defines Us

#14 Little Julie - A motivational quote from 'Maid in Manhattan', one of my favourite movies where I don't mind JLo's acting hehe, and it struck me strongly. It's not just about picking yourself up from the ground when life trips you over into unexpected tumbles, it's also about taking that first step moving forward and continue doing your best in life with what you still have and make something better out of it.

It makes me happy to think how I'm somewhat doing just that with my life right now, even if there are days where I just don't feel like myself and it's never ending, but I'm getting there. I'm happy with where I am now, with my love for painting and making people smile with my work. Believe you me! This is just the beginning :) 

***

hehe I thought this was so cute, just had to have it on my blog :P (via tumblr)

A handful of exciting things have been happening lately! (^_^) 

Firstly, I'm a busy bee in my room working on crafty projects at night, and pretty much just experimenting on how I can do things better, and playing with colours and pretty textiles <3 Even constructed a fabric index folder, a collection of all the fabric patterns I owned in the past :) whoop whoop!

Secondly, I got a call from a friend who requested me to paint a gift for her friend! MY FIRST REAL CUSTOMER! :D (Besides Anna, my sister haha) I was so excited and nervous noting down the order and discussing the idea for the painting with her! Super awesome! I'm still feeling all bubbly inside when I think about it! (^_^) Thanks youknowwhoyouare* for the opportunity!! <3 <3

& Thirdly, my family and I went to the new IKEA tonight in Springvale, or wherever, and I walked out with an AS-IS wardrobe and drawer set LOL! :D So cheap! It's about time I replace my collapsing wardrobe.. I swear one of the doors were going to fall on me if I didn't catch it in time (-_-) It's a much smaller space though, so I don't know how I'm going to hang all of my clothes!  Wahh, dilemma, I guess I should start on my spring cleaning. Been meaning to do that anyway, just not so soooooooon! (T_T)

Okay, time for me to get busy again :) lalalala, hope everyone is having a lovely night! <3

Love, from Julie xox

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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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I am Courageous

I came across a tumblr photo that spelt out the words 'I am Courage(ous)' and it was as simple as that that gave me a little boost of encouragement when I read the words in my mind. I like it how just 3 words can so simply make me feel a little more confident about myself, so I hope maybe with this little painting of mine that you'll feel the same too. ♥

*** 

I made myself a Facebook fan page called 'Julie's Little World', which showcases all of my water colour paintings, along with my growing collection of Little Julie's! :) So please do like my fan page if you're a small or big fan of my work! I know I'm still very much a beginner in the painting department, but it's a growing hobby of mine, and I believe this love affair is gonna stick around for a while! 

Also, just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has liked my page so far! It really encourages me to keep going and working hard with my paintings :) You are all super stars! 

Love, from Julie xox

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Vintage Love Affair

My latest addition to 'Project Little Julie' :) pretty much expressing my love for vintage fashion lately. Couldn't help but just fall in love with the styles, the doily collars, the peter pan collars, the high waist skirts/pants ♥ I can't wait to be able to purchase one or two of them oversized knits :) I know it's spring now, but Melbourne weather is so unpredictable! Doesn't matter, I'll wear it anyway! 

***

So not much has happened lately, but I've been busy, believe it or not (@_@) Well, it feels like I've been anyway! After a week at work (phew, another week over and out!) I just spent my Friday night watching some movies. Very chilled, best way to just relax after work. 

This morning, had to wake up extra early (for me on a Saturday) so that I can contribute with ideas for the house decorations for Thao and Loi's Wedding Tea Ceremony in the morning. Omg, there is so much to consider! Our rumpus room will be the main area, and that's going to go through a complete make over!!! Without me being informed, I am now the official house decorator according to Thao (-_-) Lol, thanks for asking man!! Oh well, it's going to be somewhat a challenge and it'll be fun :) 

Afterwards, went to yumcha for an early Father's Day celebration :) It was YUMMMMMM(cha) :D as per usual, walked out feeling like I was gonna explode (-_-) Had to drive home, because everyone was 'Yeahhhhhh Julie can drive homeeee! whooooo' 

Watched Green Lantern with Quang, and it was much more intriguing than I had expected! Was very exciting!! Ask Quang, and he'll tell you that I kept punching him during the movie, because I was so excited LOL Would love to have Green Lantern's super powers :) sad thing was that, yellow was the evil colour!! Whyyyy?? I love yellow man! And! Ryan Reynolds is such a hottie :) 

***

Back home now, and I actually spent a good hour or so putting together a basic layout for my painting portfolio :) It'll be a while before I'll make it live for everyone to see, only because I still need to build up my painting collection for the portfolio! But it's exciting, and a little daring of me to even believe that people might actually like my work. Same way how I felt when I showed people my online multimedia portfolio (which showcases all of my uni work) - couldn't help but feel a little nervous of what people would think! 

*fingers crossed and hoping for the best* 

***

P.S. I miss seeing my friends :( so I really can't wait for next weekend when we have our drink gathering at Dantay's house! Won't be able to sleep over though, wish I could, but now the cafe is opened on weekends!! Far out! (>_<) But Kim suggested we go to South Melbourne markets the next morning, so I hope i'll be able to make it after work! :D

Cute bunny ears and puppy eyes!

Just came back from my trip to Adelaide this morning! It was a very lovely trip, where I got spend some quality time with Aaron and catch up with some old friends whom I haven't seen for months or for over a year >.< makes me wish that my stay in Adelaide was longer because there are so many old friends that I'd like to catch up with every time I return.

Time always flies when you're happy. 

* * *

So I brought along all of my water colour things and sketch book to continue painting whenever I had nothing else to do and while Aaron was busy. :) I decided to give drawing animals a shot. I haven't really ever taken the time to sketch out animals before. I guess I've always found the idea a little scary, that maybe I wasn't good enough. I mean, I was never really good at drawing faces or human life forms, but I'm still trying. I guess I wanted to test out new waters when I decided to draw this cute little puppy (here), a photo which I found on tumblr again hehe! It was drawn at 10PM at night at Adelaide Uni, while I was waiting for Aaron to finish studying! :) Not bad for an extremely sleepy Julie!

The next night, while Aaron was 'studying' again haha, I started drawing this cute lil bunny (here) that's standing up right with its paws up! I was a little nervous when I wanted to started painting over my sketched lines of the bunny - only coz I must have spent a good 20 minutes or so making sure the bunny looks good with its lil furry lines and shading. But I was very careful with painting the shape of the bunny (you'll notice that I painted a black border around its fur for its outline), and trying to paint the delicate fur lines so it looks fluffy! hahaha :) I'm quite proud with how its eyes and ears turned out! You can imagine how excited I was to show Aaron once I was finished (^_^)

I forgot to take a 'before' photo of the sketched bunny before I started to paint over it >.< but I will from now on to show my process! :) 

I guess I've somewhat conquered my fear of drawing animals a bit, there's still plenty for me to learn and take into consideration when drawing life forms. I look back now, making comparisons to the original photo and what I painted - there are many differences like I made the bunny's butt too big haha, and the puppy's head is bigger than it's body - but I what I do like is that I added my own little style to it, and was able to recreate something real into something that lives on paper (if that made any sense!) I'm also working on drawing/painting this photo of this pretty girl and her lovely looking side profile :) (here) 

I <3 Water Colour Painting!

All wrapped up with love

Took out a couple of hours tonight to paint more with water colours. I feel very serene and easy going when I start to concentrate on sketching and painting, great way to relax after a full day at work today!

I decided to do a tonal painting today with just the colour black, allowing me to practice handling the brush strokes :) and also to practice my shadows and light colours - something I exercised a lot last year while I was completing 2D Design as a course (I got to draw naked people! Weeee!) I'm honestly not very good at shading with shadows with pencil, but I found it much easier to do so with the paint brush! How wonderful! :D

This was my end product, where I referenced a photo of the parcel found here.

Still need plenty of practice but I'm pretty happy with it! Quite proud of how my ribbon turned out! It wasn't even suppose to be black/grey haha! But it does give off a 3D feel, and I'm all smiles :) As you can maybe tell, I really like mixing the pinks/violets together <3 it's sooo purrrrrrrrrdy!

* * * 

I LOVE COLBIE CAILLAT!

No kidding! I've driven home from work listening to her a couple of times now in Jenny's car, and it's the best music to listen to when you're driving. BEST EVER! Especially after the hectic duties of work, her voice is so beautiful to listen to while you're chilling in the car! You should try it out! :D

Favourite songs atm by her: I Do, Brighter Than The Sun, Before I Let You Go 

(pretty much her whole new album 'All Of You' hehehehe)

Closest thing to magic for me

I broke into my new water colour sketch book on Saturday night and decided to paint a photo of which I found on tumblr - a girl with her eyes closed (here) I started out lightly sketching out her facial features, keeping in mind that these lines will help me a lot when I start painting.

Once I got the feel of the brush, I started to delicately paint her eye lashes and I pretty much continued on - always referring back to the original photo, where it helps me to distinguish the shadows and crucial lines that make up her face. It's a black and white photo, but I decided to improvise with additional colours for her lips and cheeks, to really bring her to life, and it turned out better than I expected! :)

As you can see, I continued to just play with the colours as I started painting little purple/violet flowers in place of her hair! It was so much fun mixing the colours purple, violet, blue etc all together and see what they become once they touch the paper :)

I'm pretty proud of what I did so far for this painting (^_^) the great thing about water colour painting is that I can easily go back to painting more to an oldie, as the colours are so delicate, gentle if you want it to be, and vibrant and bright too if you choose! I love it! :D I couldn't help but spend the rest of the night, till 2a.m. just playing with the colours.

I believe this is new love affair of mine is here to stay...


Uploaded some more of my water colour paintings on Facebook :) (link)