5 Bugs in A Rug

Did that catch your attention? It's really Three Bugs in a Rug I am talking about but since their are 5 of us..I changed it. Are you wondering what on earth I am talking about? Well, I decided to post my 3Bugs work I just sent off for their DTeam. I really thought on this one and decided it is me..and does fit me to a T..and that is what is the really important part of it all..it's a match!

So here's my stuff...feedback is welcome!

This first layout(click on the pics!)..I am going to share the journaling as I am not sure if you will be able to read it. And to me..the journaling is what truly completes it..and yes..gets me all teary-eyed too! Here it is:

Wait..it won’t be long before you are no longer my little girl. No longer content to play Bratz dolls with your friends outside on the front lawn. Wait..soon you won’t ride your bike as fast as you can around the cul de sac laughing with your beautiful blonde hair blowing behind you. Wait..soon you will not want to swing on the playset and go down the slide..soon you won’t fit. Wait…they’ll be a day when your friends won’t knock on the door to play..or the decision of whose house to sleep at. Wait..don’t grow up too quick..because the thought of no longer seeing you, doing these things, being my little girl is more than I can bear.. wait..because I need to savor my little girl a bit longer! March ‘05



Here's the second one..the journaling pulls out of the white bag on the bottom of the page..and is all about me, my signature style things(I posted them here on my blog) and all that!



and my altered item is something I have been wanting to do for a while and so goes with my house..it's nothing fancy..but it's sure me! Note...5 flowers for the 5 of us!



So there you have it..I just couldn't be happier with what I made..and regardless of whether I am on the 3Bugs Team..I am lucky to be apart of my own 5 Bugs in a Rug crew!

Have a great day,

Julia

Come on Julia...

Are you silently wishing that I would update my blog today? Well your wish is answered..although it's a short post. Just too too many deadlines this week and not enough time!

So forgive the short and sweet post..I'm here..I'm swamped and I am feeling really creative..so I need time to scrap!

I'll be back soon...I'll leave you with a very pretty layout I made for my Motherhood article I wrote for Scrapjazz..I totally love how it turned out! Uses Paper Salon papers..LOVE LOVE LOVE THESE! Did I say I love them? (remember you can click on it to see it larger)



and lastly one of these it's on it's way to me for me to war at the upcoming CK convention! How fun is this! Says Blue Crew in the flower center..Andrea did these for us gals..so fun!



That's it..short and sweet..have a good day,

Julia

Sunday Blog Post!LOL

Stop the presses..a Sunday post..but Becky tagged me..so I feel I should post now! So here's my answers:


Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. Daffy Duck at Six Flags
2. Bank Teller
3. Radio DJ
4. Worked At Gap, Express & Famous

Four movies you would watch over and over: (to hard to pick only 4..so I am listing more!LOL)
1. Any of the Harry Potter Movies
2. Any of the Bridget Jones Movies or really
anything with Colin Firth & Hugh Grant!LOL
3. 50 First Dates
4. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days or Sahara (Matthew!)
5. Sense & Senisbility or Pride & Prejudice
6. Two Weeks Notice (there's Hugh again!)
7. Princess Diaries
8. Older Barbra Streisand movies
9. Hitch
10. Meet The Parents/Meet The Fockers
11. Along Came Polly...

okay that's good for now right!

Four places you have lived:
1. St. Louis, Missouri
2. Springfield, Missouri
3. Indianapolis, Indiana
4. Chicago, Illinois

Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. The Amazing Race
2. Survivor
3. ER
4. The Soprano's

Four places you have been on vacation:
1. St. Pete, Florida
2. Aruba
3. Cancun
4. Hilton Head. SC

Four websites I visit daily:
1. Cropper's Cottage
2. ScrapJazz
3. Blogs
4. Pink is the New Blog

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Pasta & Steak
2. Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory
3. Spring Rolls from Cheesecake Factory(MUST GO!)
4. Mexican

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. On the beach anywhere it's sunny and over 80 degrees
2. Visiting friends in Scotland
3. Driving my Corvette to some fun stores
4. Swimming in a pool

Four friends who I have tagged that I think will respond:
1. Lynne (I know..you're tagged twice..but you can do it!)
2. Dee
3. Mary Jo
4. Wanda

Have a great day..I am taking Parker outside for a bit to play and then back to scrapping!

Julia

"Pink is my Signature Color"

Do you know what movie that quote is from? Need a hint..the actress who said is has the same first name I do and we're just a year apart...yep..Julia Roberts in Steel Magnolias. I don't think I will ever forget her saying that!

My blog post today is a challenge I Sophia posted to list 5-10 things that I would consider "my signature". Things that are so entirely me..you know it's me.

So...here I go...

1)Blonde hair..and sticky outy so when I drive the Corvette and it gets messy..it's supposed to look that way.


2)Simple, but fun jewelry..never felt I could wear those big necklaces as earrings..just feels wrong.


3)NO HIGH HEELS!(well anything over 2 1/2 is HIGH!)

4)Phrases I often say..No worries, doll, luv you, toots, babycakes(yep...poor Scott!)

5)Bunnies..need I say more..I used to have them for pets, I collect Bunnies By the Bay..love Bunnies! Happy Bunny is so so me!(it's scary how funny I think they are!)


6)Reader..hmm..that's an odd signature..but I am...

7) Creative..I would like to think I am in my own right..I may not be the most creative person out there..but I think most of my friends view me as this.

8)Energetic..how on earth could I leave this out! This I am!

9)Sun lover..beach lover..water lover..definitely me!



10)Well...yes...Pink is my signature color!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Add a touch of green and white and it's perfect!


So a challenge to you to come up with your "signature". I am sure there are more I could say..but that's for another day!LOL

Have a good one,

Julia

The Energizer Bunny

The Energizer Bunny and I share a few things in common..we both like the color pink and most times we just keep going and going and going....

This weekend was a true test of my ability to keep going and here's why:

Friday I took the day off intending it as a fun day as it was the kids last day of Spring Break. Woke up unfortunately with an outrageous headache and the worst upset stomach ever! No desire to do anything but of course lots to do. So I set off to scrap a little but really no luck as who can scrap with a headache! Not me! So turned my attention to cleaning the house. What fun! Finished that..then thought..I should exercise..might help the headache and these 10 pounds aren't budging. Choose a Yoga tape that I ended up feeling like I am the most out of shape person ever! Did the whole thing and then headed off to a shower. Scott was finally on his way home..so Haley and I headed off for our errands, picked up up some Sonic, headed back home..and then we all headed off for our late night Cosmic Bowl date with friends. I am not sure if my body was worn out from the Yoga, upset stomach and headache..but the bowling that night was fun but exhausting. My hand immediately hurt, arm, elbow! Gesh!

Saturday..woke up..got a bit of breakfast and then Scott and I headed outside to work on yardwork. We had quite a bit of work to do..in fact about 5 hours worth of trimming, raking, bagging and all that good stuff. Came in..feeling like I had done 10 hours of raking!LOL Then scrapbooked..got 2 layouts done!

Sunday got up..had a bit of breakfast(see a pattern!LOL) and then packed up and headed off with Scott and kids to a home Scott is listing next week. The owners parents lived there a good 30+ years and are now deceased. Scott and his friend spent the prior week painting the entire house and now it needed to be cleaned so the carpet can be laid this week and then listed. A friend of ours cleans homes..but wasn't interested as it was filthy! So guess who volunteered? Yep me..I figured we could use the money toward our vacation stash(which right now we have enough to go to St. Louis and back!LOLOLOLOL) I thought...how bad could it be? Well..30+ years of living in the house and smoking...BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!UUGHHHH BAD! Bad enough I spent 3+ hours in one 6 by 6 size bathroom! 3+ HOURS!!!!!!!!! And I could have cleaned more..just that my forearms wouldn't move after the previous two days! So 6 hours later..yes..6(and that was cleaning one small bathroom, one small kitchen, washing a basement floor and sweeping out the rooms to prepare for carpet and windexing windows...we returned completely and totally worn out! But..I still managed to get 2 loads of laundry done and a scrapbook page and card! Now that is nuts!

So..as I sit here today and think about this weekend..I know I truly am the Energizer Bunny! Don't you agree???

Julia

Here's one of those layouts..this is for ScrapJazz using Craft Diner's papers. This picture of Haley and her friend Emily just kocks my socks off..it's a must see in person! So come on over!

10 Good Things

List ten things that you recommend...Anything from a recipe to a book to a website or a behavior. Great things are meant to be shared! (Thanks Sophia C.)

Okay..taking the challenge..here's my random list:

1)My HP printer 7760..sorry..can't live without it!

2)Bahama Breeze..Bahamarita's...hands down the best drink I have had!

3)Revlon's new Extreme Wear nailpolish..when they say it stays on 10 days..they are pretty darn close. And if I didn't wash my hands 50+ times a day with babies..it would!

4)The Book "Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden

5)Shopping online at Cropper's Cottage ...Kim is fantastic!

6)Target Brand snacks and drinks..taste just as good as the brand names!!!!!!!! And for so much less it's stupid..a bag of pretzels for .52 and the competitor..$1.59!

7)Target..well how could I leave it out..everything in there I recommend!LOL

8)Arbonne's Citrus Sugar Body scrub..makes you feel amazing and smells incredible!

9)Kenra Volume Spray purchased at Trade Secrets..makes my hair stand out like I want it! No stickiness!

10)Sonic's Slushes...need I say more!

Okay..let me see your top 10's!!!!!!!!!!!

That's it for today,

Julia

Good Bargains

Am I right in assuming that most people love a good bargain? I know I for one do! In fact those good bargains are what I am blogging about today. I worked last night at Gymboree. I knew it would be a slow night being a Tuesday night and Gymbucks are redeemable until next week..and the new lines don't come out until then too. So not a whole lot of reasons for people to head in to buy. One of my tasks last night was to price and store away a box of merchandise that had come into the store. It looked like products from 2005 and 2004! Where on earth the shipping center found those! Well I had no sooner said to my manager...keep your eyes out for some Capris in a size 8 for Haley then my hand hit upon a pair of the most beautiful green, soft capris pants. Adorable! In no way did I expect to see them in Haley's size as their were only 2 in the box..but guess what..they were! I scanned the price...they were $4...$4...not possible to not buy for her..so I did...I just had to. It's funny how buying those pants for that price made me feel so good. I knew when I took them home and showed them to Haley..she would smile from ear to ear. As she is just like me and likes all that stuff. She likes to look nice..for things to coordinate when she goes out..even to play. Which I like..I like that she doesn't look like a mess..well most of the time!LOL

This weekend I found two other great bargains..at my favorite store TJ Maxx. We were heading to the Children's clothes and what did I spy but a Stuart Little computer software for Parker. Checked it out and saw it was a new one and was for reading and math..turned it over and saw to my delight..$5.99!(and that was for 2 games!) Showed Parker and of course he wanted it as he is on a Stuart Little kick. Plus with Spring Break being this week..thought it would be nice to have something new to entertain him. So added that to the cart..and then the piece I am excited to play a bit with a jewelry box. I have been searching for a jewelry box for years! Years! I don't want the typical wood box..with glass doors and all that but something different..more me. Well I found it..but it had a mark on it and was already on clearance. I liked it though since it is a daux leather(assuming) and is a beautiful green with pink inside..very unique! So I took one up that was fine and took the one I liked. I wanted to show that they shouldn't be priced the same as the one I wanted had a mark on it and was dirty..but I knew I could fix it. So..they took a few dollars off and out I walked finally with a jewelry box for $8! I figure after about 14 years of looking for one..that price is more than worth it.

So I need to fix it up and maybe add something to cover the scratch..I'll share some pics after I do.

And before I go..I'll leave you with a layout I did for ScrapJazz using a new paper line from Craft Diner..seems fitting with the bargains/shopping theme as this is the cutest picture of Parker with a Gymboree gift box on his head!(be sure to click on the layout..it's a cute one! His eyes are so BLUE!)




"A bargain is something you can't use at a price you can't resist."


-- Franklin P. Jones

Have a good one,

Julia

Did You Press It?

Well come forward and say so if you did because I want to Thank You! I want to thank everyone who was kind enough to press that Easy Button for me and keep us in your thoughts..because you know why..I think it worked!

And I'll tell you why if you'll let me.

Many of you may know Scott is a Realtor..and yes..works hard..always has. This job means he works 7 days a week, leaves at all hours of the day, answers every call no matter what time(well okay not after 10) gives up his weekends with the kids and I all for others. It's just his job..we get that. What is hard is that there is no salary, no set pay..it's scary at times..very very scary. And this last week..we hit the scariest week ever where you're seriously contemplating having to do things that you never dreamed you'd do. No need to say more..let's just say he was seeing a For Sale sign in our yard! He has been working a sale since December..they have been on every up and down hill..first contingency, then can they swing a bridge loan, then inspections then the final issue..Septic Tank problems. It got really awful..and the clients after all this decided after months and countless times of going and sitting across the road from the house to "look" at it..their dream house..to drop everything. I was standing next to Scott when it happened and he and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. The reason..he hasn't had a closing since January and even though he's got listings...the market is so slow and we were facing hard the reality of no paychecks and you know..a savings account can only last so long right..I mean..we have 5 people in this family!

I felt deep down it wasn't over. If they loved it as much as they did and so badly wanted out of the city for a better life for their son(a family who adopted a child with a different skin color and received taunts and harrassment)would just walk away. So thanks to everyone who pressed that button, Scott talked to someone at the Title company who explained that can get an Easement Deed for the part of the Septic system that runs off into the neighbors yard which will in turn grant these new owners, ownership of the land. It's a big to do..but this is the short version. So Scott called..told them what can be done and that all parties would agree to it on the Seller side and the neighbor. He(the clients) had to sleep on it..we found out late yesterday..that they have agreed..contract back on..and it looks like the Sandvoss Family survives another day.

I can't say thanks enough to you all! This job is just this way..it's so crazy..we have highs and low lows..but this low was the scariest by far. So let's hope this all still comes together and the first week of April we can finally see a paycheck for him..all in all as I told Scott..we have lots to be thankful for!

And are you ready..good things really are abound in this house...there is a Creating Keepsakes Convention coming here to St. Louis in April. I can't wait to go. But I decided instead of taking classes...it's hard to take as I love to teach..to sign up to be a Teacher's Assistant. Well, I finally found out that they are using me..and the best..are you ready...I get to TA the classes I wanted to attend...so watch out Becky and Mary Jo and anyone else coming..I'll be TA'ing with Elsie, Donna Downey both the morning and afternoon sessions..Elsie twice, Donna once and then Stacey Crongier with Paper Crafts. So right now...I am just as happy as can be and can't wait to go and help! I'll be there from 7:30am until 5:30pm helping and then hopefully a little shopping in between. I think I will earn $60 in $$ to use at the CK booth! I can't wait to meet everyone there..let me know which ones we'll get to see each other at! Oh and how silly would it be for me to email Elsie and Donna and introduce myself beforehand..I think that is a nice thing to do and of course ask their favorite snack..so I can bring it. I know Stacey a bit as they are publishing some of my Bo Bunny work in an upcoming mag..so I'll email her and tell her I am looking forward to meeting her in person too. LMK!

Well I need to go..I just wanted every one of you to know that button pushing really helped..and I can't thank you guys enough! I'll keep you posted on that April closing! It's never done till it's done..so it's not over..but I feel much better..


Future TA,

Julia

The Case of the Worry Wart

Well this week this blog has definitely taken a turn for the worse hasn't it? Have you ever had a moment occur that so much was sitting on that when it all fell apart you didn't know whether to laugh or cry? That is this week for me! I don't need to bore you with details on it..but it's a moment that affects the five of us and our well being in our lives. Simply put! So I am declaring this week Worry Wart Week..because I have no way of getting away from it..as it just has taken over us and made us feel so helpless.




Hopefully this will improve.. it has to right! A family can go no further down..but sadly I know you can. Let's just hope we don't. And to add to this worry..is another worry. No..I am not a hypocondriac..let's just say when little things go wrong though..I wonder..worry really but when you're generally a healthy person..little things should stand out right. Here's the deal..this past week I have noticed when I wake up in the morning..the middle to pinky fingers on my left hand feel like their asleep..like..I slept on them funny. But I am not aware of sleeping any different..I do know that my hands are normally in a fist when I sleep though..which Scott thought was weird. But anyways..it's bugging me..really bugging me. And it takes a while or so it seems for that feeling to leave them.(especially in my pinky finger) So..can anyone offer any thoughts..ideas besides run to the doctor as that would only add to the previous worry since we're self insured and pay for most every silly thing. Thus again..the first worry!

So free advice is good..and appreciated for this declared Worry Wart!

Julia

Thought for the day...

Things simply must get better..it has to!


Please keep us in mind...and if someone has an Easy button..press it a few times for me if you would!



Julia

My dream girl..

Does it seem kind of weird for me to start my blog off saying who my dream girl is? I mean after all I like guys..I really do. But after watching the Oscars last night and seeing all the women, their dresses and their hair and all that..I am finally coming out to proclaim who is my personal dream girl..and who I so boldly told Scott I would happily trade from a blonde, blue-eyed fair skinned girl to...are you ready?





Any guesses???





Salma Hayek!!!!!!!!! Yes..without a doubt in a heartbeat..I have always thought she is drop dead beautiful and built just right..just right..so my dream girl..who I would love to be...is Salma! Not only does she have the most amazing hair, chest and shape..but she was wearing my favorite color of blue and looked sensational! Plus can I say..I love love love her accent!LOL It's perfect!

So if ever she cares to trade bodies, looks etc with me..I'll let you know!

On another note about the Oscars..I was so happy for two other gals..one..Rachel Weisz...she is something this gal. Another one I love and her accent is to die for..and loved her in the Mummy's with the cute Brendan Fraser..but she was amazing in the Constant Gardener and didn't she look beautiful pregnant. So nice to see! And the other female I thought looked great..Jennifer Aniston. Who normally I don't make a big deal over..but she looked great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay for the guys..so happy for Phllip Seymour Hoffman. Read about his Aunt and Uncle who live here in St. Louis and were throwing an Oscar party with friends hoping he would win. Love him in Along Came Polly..I know..nothing like Capote..just love him in it. Sorry to see Jauquin Phoenix didn't win..he has these smoldering looks that just kind of sucker you in. We are going to try and rent Walk the Line this week. (happy for Reese too...she's adorable!) Jaime Foxx looked amazing..when doesn't he though..and lastly..my favorite to see...






Matt Dillon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is so so stinkin handsome and still looks like to me he did in the Flamigo Kid only better!HA Great to see him..hopefully we'll be seeing more!

Well I am keeping this short and sweet..busy weekend..much to do..have a good one,

Julia

Feeling BLAH!

Well I should have known it! I should have known that when it goes from 30 degress to 80 degrees my sinus' wage a war and it's inside of me! I felt it coming on yesterday..you know that feeling..the one that you have to sneeze but just kind of freeze up with you mouth open and nose pinched waiting..then nothing..then you sneeze so hard it's stupid! Well that was me for the most part of yesterday..today..it's the heavy head, heavy eyes, stuffy nose, sinus pressure under your eyes and the sound like your on the ocean in your ears oh and they click too when you swallow! So so so so not fun. It really keeps me off my normal pace and makes me turn into mush. Add to that the constant feeling of being thirsty! I told Scott he can make me whole life by bringing me home a Sonic Slush..that would be heaven..let's hope!

This this talk of feeling blah, I don't want to be considering I have a hair appointment tomorrow morning and then must go immediately from their to work at Gymboree and then must go immediately from there back to home to get ready for a wedding reception for my cousin. So...feeling like this would be very very bad. Did I say very bad? Let's hope it leaves my system just as fast as it hit me!

So no really big news here..this week is been blah to me..haven't picked up anything scrapbook related until this morning. One of my fellow designers at ScrapJazz is celebrating a birthday and we made her tags and put them into the gallery. I am so pleased with how this one turned out..here's Jaime's Tag..



It's such a fun idea and something we'll hopefully do for everyone! Need to start this at CC but need to see what happens with the next team and whether I'll even be on it!

So that' sit for now..I need to go finish a bucket I am decorating. I have made countless decorated buckets for friends and never took pictures of them. So today when this one is done..I will share it.

Until then..I'm off with my stuffy head,

Julia

What to Say..What to Say...

Hmm..not really an exciting week here other than the amazing warm weather..was 76 degrees here yesterday, that we are experiencing. Unfortunately along with that warm weather and my sinuses..that usually means a prompting of the not so fun stuff. I mean..how can it go from 30 on Sunday to almost 80 yesterday! So today feeling those sinuses of mine wanting to do what's the scoop!

That on top of a week that just is making me feel tired..sleepy. Most likely again..the weather and the drastic changes in it. I had to dig out some shorts for Haley to play in after school..it just crazy..but I would be happy to have it all year round really!

Last night watched the Barbara Wawa special which had some hotties on it..but one in particular..can you guess who? Yep..Matthew Mcconaughey! HOLY HOLY COW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



I think I drooled heavily through the entire interview..and at several times was whooping and yelling Scott said. And keep saying..would you look at him! Yes..I am in love with that guy..deodorant user or not..I'll take him and those white amazing teeth! WOWIE! I think that was the highlight of my entire day!

And while the thought is in my brain..does anyone else resort to alot of baseball cap wearing the week of their hair appointment? Or is it just me? Major roots abound here and it's like my hair goes on strike at the same time and nothing works! And since I have ten trillion layers cut in so it stands out like Tina Turner...pony tails are messy..so it requires a hat..otherwise you have this pathetic pony and than all this mess hanging out..it's so silly! So I am off to put on my pink hat that everyone comments on..and hope Saturday 9am comes quick!

Okay..I am out..here's another ScrapJazz layout using those Sakura glaze pens, brand new Bo Bunny papers..and no..I did not draw all those flowers..those are printed..I just drew a few..so don't give me more credit then I deserve okay!LOL I do still like it alot!!!!!!



That's it for today,

Julia

16

Well maybe not my current age or the age I wish to be..not 16 is the number of layouts I have that I completed for the month of February! HOLY COWS! Yes..COWS! Doesn't that seem like alot? Really now..16?LOL And well shoot..I have a 17th started too...that is ALOT! But what an amazing sense of accomplishment. I think I have slowed down a bit on the picture taking..maybe not consiously but I have. I think in my head it's saying..take a breather..we don't need to capture every cute look the kids have. But I do need to capture so more of Connor. I am in dire need of getting my 10 year old to do something other than play his PS2 and Tamagotchi!LOL Guess I need pics of those though right? I'll try..I will.

So what's new with me? Well today I am tired..really tired! Working last night at Gymboree hit me really hard this morning. Maybe because I didn't sleep good with the Snorer next to me. It's really gottten out of hand lately and I am so tired of it. Really! Literally! I love that he falls asleep on the couch and I can go to bed and hopefully fall asleep before he comes up and starts in on it. But you know..it doesn't matter..because between the hours of 4-6am he is ridiculous and my dark circles bear the burden or it! AAAHHH Hard to work a 15+ hour day and come home and have a lousy nights sleep and then get up and do it again!

I have been sneaking in some time for reading. I have to..that or my brain turns to mush with just babies all day! I am starting the much talked about James Frey's book..should be interesting..I'm going to read it as fiction as appearantly it IS! I have on wait at the library the Da Vinci Code which I cann't wait to read and then see the movie..anything with Tom Hanks! And lastly for this boring blog today...Harry Potter comes out in 6 days..yes count them 6!! Oh and Pride and Prejudice in 4!! Yeah..Deidre..we're watching it together!

So this is my very exciting post for the day..I'll leave you with one of my ScrapJazz design team layouts that I had to use the Sakura Glaze pens..these are such very cool pens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I drew on the flowers and the drew two on white paper and cut those out, popped them up. hard to see the centers with the Doodlebug sequins..much better here..come on over and you can see!LOL




I'm off,

Julia

PS...Deidre CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


PPS ...Happy 1 Month Baby Lilly! You're so beautiful!!!