Wednesday.

It is Wednesday and I literally cannot believe it. By fart, THE SLOWEST WEEK OF THE SUMMER. I just re-read that last sentence and noticed my typo, but guess what? I'm not correcting it.

This has been a weird week. For one, it has felt like Thursday every day since Monday. Another reason being that just I was finally getting used to the new arrangement of the furniture in my room and then on Monday, we switched it again. So when I wake up, I am so confused. Poor me. Finally, I can't find my second tennis shoe. Ugh.

Today, I saw this beauty and it just about turned my frown right back upside-down. Neon Celine? I mean... come on.

I'm just going to sit here and take deep breaths while I look at it for a couple more hours.

And then it will finally be Thursday.

More Meat-valtine, Please!

This website made my mouthwater, and left me too, agreeing that I will never, ever, eeever, be saying goodbye to a big juicy steak, a hearty meat sauce or a fatty hamburger. I love meat.

Ron Swanson would be proud.

Just the Two of Us

I'm such a sucker for elopements. There's something about them that just seems so intimate and magical. I love that it takes all of the unnecessary hub-bub out of a wedding and really focuses on the commitment that is taking place.

I just saw pictures of this couples recent elopement and it left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

(Also-- concerning the Haiku Competition: You must have all of your entries in before next Friday, July 29th. The winner will be announced the following Monday)

Who? Me?

Did I just get my first shout out on Sweet Ben and Little Lyle? Why, yes! I think I did! Lindsay has successfully written a whole post of lies implying that I have been teaching her anything of real worth and that I hadn't completely messed up BOTH of our projects that we have done so far. Because I haven't. And I did.

Either way, she had oodles of nice things to say about me and it is going straight to my head as we speak.

One truth of the post is that our August Fashion Show is a go and that you should be prepared for greatness.

Saturday.

Friendship pies are in full force today after a successful first pie I made and delivered last night. Leanne and the Parson family were the first victims. We ate that apple pie like it was our jobs. Pictures later.

This one is a raspberry and blackberry for the Schmidts. It's a beaut.

Today is splendid.

300

This is officially the 300th post on my beloved blog, Bushka in the City and exciting things are happening. When I realized what significance this post must hold, I was plagued with the thought of underwhelming my legions of followers with a post about something as simple as how my weekend was, a picture of a calorie loaded dessert drenched in caramel that I was craving, an impulsive new hairstyle or even a thrilling declaration of a new major (all four of the above are happening soon, by the way...)

I knew that the 300th post had to be big. Kirstey Alley big. Carmageddon big. JLo's divorce big. So I'm pulling out all the stops by bringing in the expert of all experts on anything freakout worthy.

Ladies and gentlemen-- but mostly ladies, because my Uncle Doug is the only guy I know who reads this blog-- I give you........

OPRAH WINFREY.

For decades Oprah and her magically expanding and shrinking body amazed, inspired and infuriated us with her constant free giveaways. From things as small as ridiculously overpriced candles and Celine Dion CD's to brand new cars and trip to Australia, Opie had us all jumping up and down, teaming with jealousy in our living rooms as we watched 250 middle aged, slightly overweight woman lose their shiz on her show about whatever it was under their seats. So, in this simple blogger's homage to the big O, I give you......

JULIAAAAA'SSSSSS BIIIIIIGGGGG BLOOOOGGGGGG GIVVVEEAAAAAWWWAAAAYYYY!!!!

The game is simple. I am going to post three pictures here that I have been storing in my computer for a rainy day. Choose one of the pictures a write a haiku about it (english refresher course: 3 lines-- 5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables. Easy.) Then, myself and an esteemed panel of judges are going to choose our favorite and the winner gets A FREE DRESS made by yours truly! (If you're a guy, we'll call it a tunic) Exciting, right?! Here are your three choices.

1.

2.

3.

So, please, please, PLEASE PARTICIPATE! I know I say that a lot, but if you've never commented before now, make this your first time! I would love to hear your guys' little ditty's and I know they are all going to be so great. Whether you are a frequent commenter, or an avid reader, or I don't know you and you read my blog, or I do know you, but I don't know you read my blog, or even if you don't even know what a Bushka is, just try it!!!!

Now, some of you might be thinking, "Julia, this idea is so great- genius in fact, but I'm just a poor stable boy. I don't know how to comment on these fancy typing machines! Also, you're real purrrty." Well, thank you, poor stable boy. You're not so bad yourself! And do not worry, because here and now I am going to give all who are confused out there a quick commenting tutorial (I'm looking at you, Grandma Bunny) so there is no excuse.

• At the bottom of this post there is a button that says "0 comments." (It may say "1 comment" or "2 comments" but I highly doubt it.) Click on it.
• A box will pop up that says "Post a comment"
• In the box, type whatever you want to say. Only happy thoughts, if you please.
• When you are finished, click "Post comment"
• Sometimes a box may come up for you to re-write a word, or possibly confirm your comment. If it does, oblige it's request and then post it.
• It's that easy!

Have fun!!! And when you're stuck on that 3rd line of your haiku and you can't think of a two syllable word that is a synonym for "dog," just think of Oprah and her miracle natural hair bouncing up and down as she jumps and congratulates you on your new, custom and beautiful dress.

(For the record, a two syllable word for dog: Canine)

PS. Make sure you start your haiku with the number of the picture, so that I know which one it goes with.

Well, Golly.

Caitlin + Ben "Fly Safe Please" from Sandbox Love on Vimeo.

Ok, I did not expect to be crying so early in the day. I was perusing some of my favorite blogs on this lazy Friday when I came across this video. It was so beautiful and meaningful and is leaving me swelling with patriotism. I cannot imagine being a newlywed and having to be apart from each other for 7 months and especially in such uncertain circumstances. As moving and romantic as their reunion was, I also loved the part right after that showing him at the liquor store and coming back to his house for the first time. I can only imagine how surreal that would seem to be back in the US and back in your own house doing everyday things for the first time in months.
Speaking of, is anyone else excited for the new TLC show, Surprise Homecoming? In spite of how annoyed I already am with Billy Ray Cyrus and his face, the commercial already had me in tears. I will definitely be tuning in for that.