Liebster Award

I have had so much going on lately that I haven't been posting much, so I am trying to catch up on all of my comments and everyone's posts now.  (Somewhat) Recently I was nominated for the Liebster Award and I couldn't have been more thrilled! 

The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. So, what is a Liebster?  The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome. Isn't that sweet? Blogging is about building a community and it's a great way to connect with other bloggers and help spread the word about newer bloggers/blogs.

Here are the rules for receiving this award:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the questions that the tagger set for you then create 11 questions for the people you’ve tagged to answer.
3. Choose 5 people and link them in your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. No tag backs!

So here we go!!

11 Random Facts About Me:

1.  I'm very claustrophobic.  I can't stand elevators and tunnels!
2.  I'm going to be 30 this year in October.
3.  I have an Associates degree in Technical Theater and have painted on a movie set and also painted the set for Beauty and the Beast at one of the biggest theaters in Pittsburgh.
4.  I could probably eat spaghetti every single day and never get sick of it.
5. Public speaking is definitely not one of my strong points.  I starts hyperventilating, sweating, and stuttering.  Not attractive at all! haha!
6.  My husband and I have been friends since I was 13 but we didn't start dating until I was 24.
7.  I was always a tomboy throughout school.  I didn't even start wearing make-up until I was around 20!
8.  My cat's name is Momma's Boy
9.  I can quote every line from "Robin Hood: Men In Tights"
10. I love being outdoors.
11. The beach is my favorite place in the whole world.

Here are the questions that I was asked:

1. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging as a way to try to get my artwork out there.  I've always been too scared to put myself out there and see what people thought of my work but now that we have a daughter I want to be able to tell her to always follow her heart and try her hardest, and I wouldn't feel right telling her that if I didn't even try it myself.  Now I use my blog for even more then just that.  I use it as a way to keep track of what is going on with our lives, so I can look back one day.  Sort of an online journal.  I also use it a lot to express my creativity through fashion.  Soon I hope to add a DIY section.

2. What is your favourite type of post to write & why?

Anything creative!  Whether it be about my art or fashion, they always seem to come the easiest to me.

3. If you had a super power what would it be?

The power to heal people, I guess.  I work at a hospital and see so many people in pain.

4. What do you feel has been your biggest achievement in life so far?

I've painted sets for colleges and high schools in the area but when I got to paint for the Byham Theater in Pittsburgh, I think that was one of the biggest things I got to do.  I also painted for a movie called Shelter featuring Julianne Moore but it was never released in the US.

5. Number of hours you slept last night.

Probably around 6 off and on.  Paige gets up any time between 6 and 7am, but I use the time that she's sleeping at night to do some things around the house...or unwind.

6. If you could speak to your past self, what would you say?

I’d tell myself to be more confident, if others can believe in you then so can you. If you want something then do all you can to get it, it won’t just come to you. Also, I’d say: “Cheer up love,why the long face?“

7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I would love to be able to have a career by then.  Whether it be by me staying home and creating art OR a fulltime office job.  

8. Who inspires you the most?

As cheesy as it sounds, my husband.  He is the greatest person I've ever met.  He helps me to believe in myself, even when I am my worst critic.  I am a really anxious person and he is the only person that can keep me calm.  He is my biggest fan when it comes to my art.  He's the best <3  My daughter is only 14 months old but she inspires me to try my hardest to make an amazing life for her.

9. What is the one goal you are working towards?

Trying to be more positive about life and myself. Not to let anxiety or fear pull me down. To be happy and confident

10. If you could meet anyone in the world who would it be?

I'm always so afraid to meet anyone famous that I like because I'm afraid that they will be mean and it would ruin it. hahaha!!  I'm a weirdo!

11. What’s your top number one place you want to visit?

Oh man, I don't know if I could pick just one!!  I really want to see Hawaii and St. Lucia.  I also would love to see Paris, Greece, Italy...EVERYWHERE! lol.  I would love to just travel the world

I nominate:

Any newer blogger that would like to participate!!  If you are a newer blogger this is a great way to let your readers know more about you!  I would love to read it so let me know if you play along by leaving a comment below!

My questions:

1. What do you like to blog about?
2. What’s the story behind your blog name?
3. Which blog post of yours are you most proud of?
4. What's the best adventure you ever had?
5. Describe the best date you've ever been on.
6. What’s the most unusual thing you’ve eaten?
7. If you could meet anyone in the world who would it be?
8. Who was your first celebrity crush?
9. What is your dream job?
10. What’s your favourite quote from a film?
11. What and/or who inspires you?

Wordless Wednesday

Can't she just stay small forever????  Please?

Spring Florals

Everything is finally starting to bloom around here and it's put me in a very "Spring-y" mood. lol!  It's been so cold that I guess it took me a little longer to get with the program. I'm not usually a super girly girl so when I add florals to an outfit I usually do something subtle like a scarf.  I am seriously addicted to anything mint cored tho!  Which is a great change for me because I usually go for darker colors.

A Great Weekend

My husband and I both had this past weekend off so we made a ton of plans.  With my job, I never know when that will happen again. 

On Saturday we had plans to go to an Easter egg hunt that also had free pony rides and a little petting zoo.  Paige took a monster nap so we didn't quite make it to the Easter egg hunt...not that she would have been able to do too much since she is still so little.  We took her in the petting zoo area and we expected her to get sooo excited because she loves animals and has no fear of anything....  but she decided to have a shy day. LOL!  She gets into these bashful moments and its so cute!  She will grab onto our legs and hide her face.  We also didn't get to do the pony ride because they said she was too small. Boo!!  But we still had fun looking at all of the animals!

Easter Sunday was spent with our family.  My mom always has a lunch meal around 11 so we can see my husband's family for dinner.  She was so good all day and got sooo much stuff!!

She really made out!!  And we still haven't gone to see Pap Pap so there will be more tomorrow.

Social Media Sunday link-up - Guest Host

<div align="center"><a href="http://fromabcstoacts.com/" rel="nofollow" title="From ABC's to ACT's"><img src="http://i1025.photobucket.com/albums/y311/abcstoacts/SMS225_zpsb70454fc.jpg" alt="Social Media Sunday-From ABC's to ACT's" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

It's that time again friends! Time for another Social Media Sunday!

Amber @ From ABC's to ACT's

Michelle @ The MaMade Diaries

Natasha @ Epic Mommy Adventures

Teresa @ Crafty Wife

Penny @ The Real Housewife of Caroline County

Julia @ The Everyday Momma

Julie @ Artwork by JM

Moving Mommy

Jackie @ Adventures in Mommyland

As you know Social Media Sundays are a place for you to connect with other bloggers in as many ways as possible, since meeting other bloggers and making new friends is one of the best parts of this online world!

The rules are simple!

Follow your hosts and guest hosts and leave a comment letting us know so that we can follow you back.

Grab the button and spread the word, the more the merrier!

Get to hopping! Check out your fellow bloggers and make a new friend or two!

Most importantly, have FUN!

Trying something new..

My "go to" outfit usually consists of black or grey or anything dark colored.  Sometimes I like to change it up a little and toss in some brighter colors.  And what better time to try something lighter than in spring?!  I thought this would be a cute work outfit idea.

What I bought..

I have a bit of a shopping problem so anytime I see a sale I always end up leaving with something.  I went to the mall over the weekend and they were having a HUGE sale at Express so I had to stop...  My bank account wishes I hadn't. lol

Here's what I found:  Express.  I had a gift card so I only ended up spending about $40!

1  /  2  /  3  /  4  /  5-sold out / 6 -sold out (similar)

I also went to Forever 21 .  They were have a buy one get one free sale on clearance! I spent $60 on all of this great stuff!!

1  /  2  /  3  /  4  /  5

Have you run into any sales lately???

Who does leopard print better than Betsy Johnson?!?

Who does leopard print better than Betsy Johnson?!?  Nobody!  That's who!!  haha!  I have always been a huge Betsy Johnson fan, so when I had the idea of putting together a red and leopard outfit I had to include some of her pieces.  The watch and bag are from her collection. LOVE them!

Do you have any Betsy Johnson fashion?  Who are some of your favorite designers?

I'm obsessed!  I used to have one of her bags but I had to retire it.  Sad, sad day. =(

linked up with : Transatlantic Blonde , Because Shanna said so , The Pleated Poppy , Style Elixir ,

Finally had a little time for drawing

After putting the baby to sleep last night, I decided to stay up for a little bit to try a charcoal portrait of Mila Kunis.  

I always use my art as a way of unwinding after a stressful day/week.  Paige is in the middle of teething so she's been pretty frustrating and moody for the past couple days. 

So, what do you think??

The Ultimate Blog Party 2014

Welcome to all of the 2014 Ultimate Blog Party-goers!

The Ultimate Blog Party is an annual blogging event, hosted at 5 Minutes for Mom, where a ton of bloggers join together in a week-long, blog-hopping, commenting and tweeting party to meet others, grow their networks, have fun and win prizes! The party is from April 4th through 11th.

Let me start by introducing myself; My name is Julie.  I'm a momma to a beautiful little 1 year old, a wife to an amazing man, an artist, and a wanna-be fashionista. haha!  I started this blog at the beginning of this year and have been having so much fun with it.  I've still got plenty of things to learn but I have been enjoying figuring it out so far.

I blog a lot about my everyday day life with my daughter and my husband.

I also use my blog to share new art projects that I am working on or selling in my shop.  I have always loved creating art even as a little girl.  I specialize mostly in portrait art of celebrities and musicians but I also love to try new things.  I work with acrylic paint, watercolor paint, charcoal, pencil, colored pencil, ink, and markers.

I have a HUGE love for fashion as well and love trying new styles.

I blog about pretty much anything.  I'm an easygoing person that loves laughing about everything.

Other places to find me around the web:
Bloglovin  //  Etsy  //  Twitter  //  Facebook  //  Google +  //  Pinterest

If you have any questions feel free to send me an email or comment below and I would love to answer it for you!  Can't wait to meet up with new bloggers!  If you want to join in, click the first image and it will take you to the site.