Lately

 Necklace and earrings c/o OhJewelicious

Lately I've been:

Trying to figure out the balance between pursing growth and staying on top of things.

Listening to Katy Perry's "Unconditionally" repeatedly. I might have a problem.

Getting spoiled by California and its warm weather.

Trying to think big for my 2014 plans.

Taking way too many Penny pictures (and videos).

Hustling on Valentine's Day orders.

Planning as many wedding details (flowers, accessories, favors, invites...rahhh) as I can.

Speaking of, any honeymoon suggestions? Trying to figure out where to go!

Watching Roswell online as I work (I used to be obsessed but now I see why it was cancelled).

What have you been up to lately?

xo JA

Show Prep

Dress c/o Fleet Collection, Shoes: Target, Clutch: No Rest For Bridget   I got some questions on Instagram about this bun hair-do. Wanna know the secret? It's a Hot Bun. Yes, a Hot Bun. Have you seen the commercial? J's sister ordered one and they sent her four so I got to snag one. Finally figured out how to use it last week and I kind of like it!    In other news, I'm sitting on the couch next to Pen right now and she is dreaming. Her paws are twitching, her nose is twitching, she's making snorty noises. Oh, to be a dog.   I just finished folding stock for a San Francisco show this weekend. That's right, I'm headed back to San Fran! At Renegade SF I got to meet Brit of Brit + Co. She told me about an event her company is putting on called ReMake:2013. It is a 2-day event, part conference, part market. It is focused towards a more "techy" crowd than other shows I've done so I'm hoping to reach a different audience. I can't believe it's in two days though. I haven't even start messing around with my display in the garage yet. That's a "must do" for today.   The other big thing that has been looming on my to-do list is holiday cards. They're coming, I promise, it's just taking some time to get them "right." Honestly, it's been hard to find design time to commit to. Sometimes I almost have to give myself a pep talk. Come on Jules, let's do this. Otherwise, before I know it, I've spent 2 hours pinning wedding inspiration. Oops. I have a feeling that is going to be an ongoing challenge until our wedding.   If you're in the SF area, come see me at Re:Make on Saturday! And if you're not, stayed tuned for an "events" update where I'll share all the shows I'll be doing this season. (I applied for too many, let's see how many I get accepted to!)   xo JA

Oh, Lately.

Lately life has been busy. I bet you're super surprised at this because it is something I never say. But seriously, beyond the whole getting engaged thing (wee!!) J and I have been pretty stressed out. (So I try to shut out all the stressful shit and look at pretty weddings on Pinterest instead).

Outfit Details:
Dress c/o Fleet Collection
Necklace c/o PrettyPany (20% off w/code JAAFAN)
Boots: Madden Girl from LuLus

Lately I've been:

- Lighting pumpkin spice candles daily.

- Cutting footage for multiple weddings for Etch.

- Trying to wrap my head around a new shop/blog concept (cohesive! as one! eek!).

- Cuddling Penny even more often than usual because her hair cut makes her SO damn soft.

- Super aware of a new rock on my finger, I'll admit.

- Denying the fact that I'm turning 29 in two days.

- (TWENTY NINE!?!?!?)

- Contemplating a huge transition for JAA. It's scary but exciting.

- Putting off work! #fail #holidayline #wintershowprep #oops

But perhaps most importantly, lately I've been feeling loved. I'm so lucky to have such a great guy to share my life with and I'm so excited for what is yet to come. The response to our engagement has been so genuine, and it really made us realize people don't only love us, but they love us together.

Thank you so much for all the sweet comments you've left me around the interweb. I had to wait two days to tell you guys and it was kind of hard! xoxoxoxo JA

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is less than two weeks away. I always have a hard time with gifts for my Dad so I thought I'd throw together a gift guide to get inspired and perhaps help some of you who have the same struggle. I searched Etsy for gifts for your dad, husband, or baby daddy. Here's my favorites:

1. Such a nice beer carrier, and it can be custom engraved too! 2. This personalized guitar pick is great for musician dads. 3. A men soap set is great for men who shower. :] 4. Love these upcycled cuff links! (15% off with JAA15. Expires 6/30/13) 5. I adore these spice sets for the griller in your life. 6. A card for your baby daddy from yours truly!   Are you getting your dad or husband something for Father's Day? Maybe just a card? ;] xo JA   Don't forget! Google Reader is peacin' out! Be sure to:

Lately

Outfit Details - Bullet Earrings c/o Crave, Dress: ASOS, Shoes: Target, Bracelet: Target

Lately I've been:

Spending time with my friend visiting from out of town

Recovering from my first craft show of the year

Basking in the California sun when I get the chance

Putting off getting my car smog tested (ugh)

Getting new cards ready to list in the shop

Feeling excited for Renegade San Fran with Erika

Planning my trip home to Michigan next month

Dreaming of fruity drinks somewhere tropical

What about you? How was your Memorial Day weekend? Do anything fun? I'm currently in "catch up mode" but I wanted to give you a quick update on what's been going on over here. xo JA

P.S. Don't forget to enter to win a custom Instagram photo ring here!

Don't forget! Google Reader is peacin' out! Be sure to:

10 Things That Make Me Happy

Today's May Blogging Challenge topic is "10 Things That Make You Happy."

 Necklace c/o Lisa Leonard. 15% off with the code JULIEANN15! Expires 6/13/13.
Valid for all non-sale, hand-made items, excluding the fair-trade line.
Cannot be combined with other offers.

There's so many things that make me happy.

There's the obvious stuff (family, friends, my shop)...

So let's have fun with it, shall we?

Here's 10, although I could go on forever:

1. Driving with the windows down

2. Wearing dresses

3. Harry Potter

4. Surprises (however I pretend otherwise)

5. Rum and cokes

6. Songs that take me back to a good memory

7. New underwear

8. Long-term friendships

9. Pretty much any furry animal ever

10. Autumn in Michigan

What makes you happy? People? The little things? The big things? Tell me! xo JA

Don't forget! Google Reader is peacin' out! Be sure to:

Lately

Outfit details: Dress: No Rest For Bridget, Camera Bag c/o JoTotes, Shoes: F21

Lately I've been:

Trying new recipes from my Granny's cook book.

Listening to old school Yellowcard songs.

Feeling anxious for beach days (almost here!).

Getting excited to release new JAA products.

Teaching Penny a new trick ("be cute").

Feeling the pressure to be the best I can be.

Missing home (officially visiting in June!).
Learning how to stand up for my business.

Looking forward to heading to San Fran over Easter.

Feeling closer and closer to my blog friends.

What have you been doing lately?