I'm the Worst.

Corrections:
Christina is living in Florence.
We are actually in Arrowhead.


As you were.

Big Bear

Heading up to the local mountains for the weekend to enjoy some R&R with two of my favorite people, Sara and Christina. I met Christina in Jr. Kindergarten when she and I were 2 of 4 girls in a class with 20 other boys. Pretty good odds. Too bad we were more into the Girls Rule, Boys Drool phase at that point. Sara and I met in Kindergarten at MCS, but only really became close the end of our 8th grade year. They are two of the most amazing women who are smart, funny, and gorgeous-- not to mention they both love Jesus!

Christina just finished her first year at Pepperdine and is heading abroad to Venice for a whole year this coming September! So jealous. Sara, a crazy talented athlete ever since I've known her, is heading back down to UCSD in a few weeks to start training for her second year on their volleyball team. Maybe her talent stems from the fact that she's just shy of 6 feet with arms and legs longer than my whole body. Maybe.

I have been looking forward to this little weekend getaway for what feels like a lifetime. I am ready for a lot of sun, a lot of laughing, a lot of talking and a lot of eating.

I'm so excited that I even threw together this little playlist for funzies. As stated in my last playlist post, no music snobs allowed. I like my music and it likes me. And hey- this playlist is actually pretty "hip," as the kids are saying.

See you on Sunday!

TGIT.

I could not be happier. It is the freakin' weeken.'

AND it's the premiere of Project Runway tonight! I always luurrvvvv this show, but this year, SCAD is reppin' it big time with a contestant in the running for the whole enchilada. I don't know her name yet, but hopefully she isn't ca-razy.

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.

Genius.

This is one dangerous bowl.

Alarmingly Accurate

A couple of nights ago, the fam and I went to Mongolian BBQ for a delicious dinner. After finishing my chicken bowl and wrapping up our meal, I glanced at the deluxe place mats that I had so ignorantly overlooked. They were, of course, your run of the mill chinese calendar but reading them in accordance to each member of my family made me realize how oddly on point each year was. So, of course, I made each of them give me their best cock, ox, and snake face.

Let's begin with Donald, the Cock.... ahem...

A pioneer spirit, you are devoted to work and quest after knowledge. You are selfish and eccentric (not very true). Rabbits are trouble. Snakes and oxen are fine.

Speaking of Oxen, here's one now!

Bright, patient, and inspiring to others. You can be happy by yourself, yet make an outstanding parent. Marry and snake or a cock (Hey!). The sheep will bring trouble.

Kaitlin the Snake.

Wise and intense with a tendency towards physical beauty. Vain and high tempered. The boar is your enemy. The Cock and the Ox are your friends.

And finally, Julia the Sheep.

Elegant and creative, you are timid and prefer anonymity. You are most compatible with Boars and Rabbits, but never the Ox (sorry, Mom).

Yep. I think that pretty much sums up my family. Needless to say, it'd be foolish to put too much clout into these sort of shenanigans, but forcing your family to make ridiculous faces for the sake of the blog is standard practice around these parts. Not to mention fun.

And I think life needs more fun.

Belated 4th of July

I had so much fun at the other Patton's house for the 4th. Someone had commented how great it is that the four cousins get along so well. The point was made that that wasn't always necessarily the case-- although we always have loved and cared for each other, only recently have we really come to enjoy each other's company. I am so grateful for everyone in my family. They rock.

Before we jump into the festive pictures of sparklers and red, white and blue, we must note that our day started off with some errands and a deliciously all American burger at Tommy's Burgers. If you've never been before, believe me, you are missing out. Two words: chili and cheese. I mean, that's all you really need to know.

Then after the burgers, we ran around Costa Mesa checking things off the to-do list. We had to stop off at Sherwin-Williams to pick up some paint for a little side table that I'm currently over hauling. The delightful young man who helped us with our selection was named Pedro. He could tell how excited I was for my future painting endeavors, so he offered to outfit us in the most elite of gear that he had to offer-- free hats.

Taryn and I with our spaaklaas (Bostonian accent).

The children.

Somehow the smallest Hatfield ended up on my lap for a solid 30 minutes. Not one tear was shed... by either of us. Personal best.

Mommy and KK.

LOVE THESE GIRLS.

Friendship Pies

Ever since I was a little girl, right before school ended, my mom would sit Kaitlin and I down and ask us what we wanted to do in the coming summer months. Mostly, my ideas consisted of lots and lots of lounging with a little bit shopping sprinkled in there. But she would challenge us to really think about what we wanted to accomplish-- things that we only had time for when we were out of school. Typically, by the end of the brainstorming session, the list would include things like bake fresh bread every week, make a mosaic table, or climb the local mountains on a regular basis. Some would come to fruition and some will always remain on that to-do list (I'm looking at you, mosaic table). But there was one idea that I've been wanting to do every single year. Friendship Pies.

The idea is simple; I have been so immensely blessed with the most supportive, fun, honest and all around amazing friends and support system. Especially this summer, coming home from a year without certain key people in my life everyday, this stood out to me even more. I strongly believe in expressing your appreciation for such people in one's life so the idea of the Friendship Pies is to take something that I enjoy and share it with other people (making a deliciously fresh homemade pie) and using the opportunity to give it to them as a way to express my gratitude for their role in my life.

So, today it begins. I have compiled a list of people that, in a big way or perhaps more subtly, have positively affected me. Don't worry-- if you read this blog, you are more than likely to be on that list. It's pretty long...which is the way I like it. I don't want this to feel like a VIP list or to seem that it is some sort of exclusive club. I want to make more pies than Lindsay Lohan has arrests! ...which is only like 6 or somethings...so definitely more than 6 pies... but you know what I mean.

I am so so excited to bake and to share this. GO PIE!

Photobooth Phun

I love a good photobooth. They are always such a fun way to capture a moment and a memory. Lauren and Colin's already awesome wedding was made even cooler with a photobooth and the mother and sister and I just loved every minute of it.

Happy 4th of July!!!

What a beautiful day to be celebrating the greatness of our country and the freedoms that we are so blessed to enjoy.

Can't wait for the smell of the BBQ and some fruit salad at Doug and Carol's tonight.

When Two Blogs Collide

This week, I had the pleasure of spending my Wednesday evening with none other than the oh-so-talented-blogger-mom-extroardinaire, Lindsay Thorburn, of Sweet Ben and Little Lyle. Not only do I know Lindsay through church and her awesome blog, but we in fact met close to 9 years ago on a church trip that I took way back in 5th grade. On Wednesday when I reminded Lindsay how we met, she in turn reminded me that I had brought some sort of plastic snake in my bag as a prank. I had completely forgotten that. Apparently, she was not amused. Oh, Linda, you trained me well.

The purpose of this little get together was not just to chat about our mutual love for Mormon Mom blogs, or for me to easily polish off the amazing cookies she had baked that afternoon, but really for me to give her a few sewing tips (that later proved to be completely unnecessary and unhelpful) so we (she) could make beautiful creations! When she proposed the idea of these hang out sessions a couple months ago, I was absolutely 100% on board.

Earlier this week Lindsay e-mailed me with a couple of ideas of what we could make. She was super excited about this simple jersey skirt she had found on a blog and tossed it out as a good start to our very rigorous and well thought out summer curriculum. Over confident in my capabilities, I didn't think that a seasoned seamstress as myself would even have an issue with something so... sophomoric.

False.

That skirt chewed us up and spit us out.

No, that is not a gathered pillowcase Lindsay is holding up. Despite the boxy shape and un-even hem, that is indeed the finished product of the skirt.

Contrary to what you may think, that adorable decorative seam was not on purpose, but simply an added bonus to our "special technique" of sewing.

There was one success of the evening; a children's dress that Lindsay had already been working on for little Eden Newcott that we craftily finished off with this flower. I had no part in the making of the dress, thus: successful.

This is just the beginning of our crafting friendship though. And I for see huge successes in our future endeavors. I intend to keep all you suckers informed as we delve into the wonderful and mystical world of DIY.

PS- Lindsay-- I ended up wearing the skirt as PJ's and it was like sleeping on a cloud. I would highly recommend it.