Mugshot Monday: Returning to Schedules

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Juliet Tiu

I’m pooped. This picture is pretty much before bedtime… I get to read a little bit (in reality, it’s looking a pretty pictures) and sip some warm tea from well-loved travel mug from my former life.

It’s been an amazingly mild (weather) summer and I love being able to spend time with my whole family, but it’s also getting to that point where everyone should be going back to regularly scheduled stuff – like school and work. (I’m sure y’all know what I speak of.) My work that awaits: crafting, volunteering, and a new writing adventure since both my kids will be in school all day. Before we know it, the holidays will be here. (GAH, I need to start working on Christmas gifts???)

We have one last little trip to visit family (wedding time!) and then my hubs goes back to work, kids will follow in a week. Time to get back-to-school teacher treats ready!

Mugshot Monday: The Bright Side

Posted on August 6, 2013 by Juliet Tiu

Not a lot of sunshine here yesterday, and the weather has been so mild for summer. It’s been so mild that last weekend it felt like football weather – sunny, crisp breeze, and downright chilly in the evening. Even my daughter said, “It feels like, like, October.” It’ll be harsh when the temps go past 80 degrees later today and tomorrow – my kids start complaining. The bright side… I’ve been in drawing-and-doodling mode lately. (Check out some of my drawings at Instagram.) And in my mug is a blend of green and black tea with notes of vanilla and fruit (Mystic Moons and Madagascar Fine Bourbon from TeaLula).

I could have taken a picture outside, clouds and all, but I was preoccupied with preparing for my husband’s parents coming back to town for a week. Nothing refreshes a dormant house like opening up the windows and a good cleaning.

So excited to have our young niece around too… she’ll get lots of attention from her big cous’.

Ollie and Ella

Mugshot Monday: Not so Lazy Days of Summer

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Juliet Tiu

Last week’s shot: Travel mug in my car. Kids and I were up earlier in the morning than usual heading to Vacation Bible School.

It was all of the following: Exhausting (120 kids), enlightening (both in terms of faith and kid management), lots of fun (games, singing and dancing).

I learned that you could get 120 children to focus by saying, “1, 2, 3, eyes on me,” and they answer back, “1, 2, eyes on you.” Elementary teachers are brilliant.

This week: chillin’ outside with my lemon balm tea.

Can I tell you, after VBS, this small break in the backyard was totally welcome. If I could just spend a whole morning in the garden, then an afternoon in front of my sewing machine, and an evening of drawing or journaling, THAT would be awesome.

Mugshot Monday: Catching Up

Posted on July 8, 2013 by Juliet Tiu

June 17: A few nights before we left for vacation. That day was warm and maybe even humid. Everyone had gone to sleep, I was busy tying up loose ends, and I remember wanting to drink something cold. Naturally, I found the closest thing to winter – a picture of my dog-in-law, Graham. In my mug: Bourbon and branch, my late-night drink of choice nowadays.

June 24: Very quiet morning on our vacation. Part I: Leavenworth, WA. My sister-in-law rented a beautiful lodge for all of us to stay in. Twelve of us altogether (missing two others, bummer.) This was also where my pink eye was wreaking havoc. Terrible. So, I exiled myself one day and rested.

Spent a little time thinking about what I might do, if I could spend my day doing anything and money was no object. Easy to do out in the woods and no internet. Once again, my thoughts wandered around: art studio, designing with paper, designing fabric, teaching classes, or maybe owning a kitschy lifestyle-home shop. What about combining bikes, coffee, art…

July 1: Traveled to Woodinville, WA for a day trip with my husband, kids, niece, and nephew. Traded in my mug for a wine glass and relaxed at Chateau Ste. Michelle.

(Columbia Winery is just across the street, but too grown-up/clubhouse-y for the kids. Note to self: visit next time without them.)

July 2: (bonus) Coffee at a favorite spot, Valhalla Coffee Company in Tacoma, WA. It’s like they knew I was coming that morning – the music playlist included Chicago, Air Supply, Bee Gees. Awesome. Of course, that doesn’t mean my husband immersed himself in nostalgia, but that’s okay. He seemed to enjoy me geeking out, and we talked vinyl records and open playlist night with another customer who owns a local bar.

That morning Valhalla offered a Uganda Bukonzo off the regular menu. My husband and I could not get over the unique cherry flavor. It wasn’t too acidic, and not too fruity, either. Fantastic balance. So we brought home a pound.

July 8: Relaxing back at home with a bin full of mail and tea in my favorite little footed mug.

Taking a Trip: 5 Favorite Bring-a-longs

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Juliet Tiu

I’m heading out of town with my family… and ready to bring snippets of beautiful scenery, cool shops, and awesome food pics straight to you. Here are a few shots from last year.

See what I mean, gorgeous, just gorgeous. We love the Pacific Northwest.

So, while you so patiently hang around, this is what I like to bring with me when I travel. Aside from the “mom purse” full of fruit snacks, crayons and markers, and medicine:

Travel art kit: Fancy pens, crayon, and a mini-note pad. Why the crayon? So I can do rubbings if I find a cool texture or plaque.
A magazine to read, and then afterwards do paper folding art and leave it on the plane.
A little bottle of body spray. Nothing crazy perfum-y, just something to refresh myself after a long plane trip, or to refresh in the middle of the trip. Like Cotton Blossom from Bath & Body Works.
Postcard stamps. They’re 33 cents now!
And I like to wear comfortable clothing. That doesn’t mean it’s all yoga pants and t-shirts. What about a swishy dress and a cardigan like this?

Mugshot Monday: Walls

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Juliet Tiu

PROMPT from Monday Mugshots Collaboration May 30th: My Walls. Do you have walls that you put up?
SHOOTERS: Shoot your mug in front of a cool textured wall.

I could have gone all deep and philosophical on this topic, but I just wanted to go for face value this time. This wall might not be super textured; it’s one wall of our home which we built on our own. (Well, let me clarify that, we general contracted on our own. My father-in-law and husband did the site management during the summer.) It seems like a long time ago now. Seven years.

My cup of tea sits in front of water-stained limestone, and next to a newly planted lemon balm plant. I’m dreaming of a tea garden where lemon balm, chamomile and lavender can coexist. We have healthy echinacea growing but I always forget that we can use the buds for tea.

This morning I snagged my husband’s Intelligentsia mug for a few sips while I worked on a friend’s subway art piece. (Needed more caffeine since I finished mine so quickly.) And yes, I cut out letters by hand.

I realize I haven’t been very timely or good about sharing tutorials this Spring, and now we’re into Summer vacation – oy! Friends, I’m primarily trying to do more, sit less… so not to worry, I’m still making, baking, creating. Join me at Instagram or at the Facebook page for more of the daily happenings. Thanks and do let me know if you’re keeping up with Monday Mugshots!

So This is Julie

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