Peony :: Love

Tandem

2010-04-26T20:49:00.001-07:00

Star House cake topper. It would make a pretty sweet post-wedding sculpture for the bookcase as well.

From Etsy, of course.

Dexter

2010-02-27T10:22:00.001-08:00

here

here

here

here

Currently channeling grandma and wickedly obsessed with vintage Dexter loafers.

brooch

2009-12-16T20:49:00.000-08:00

How freakin' cool are these wooden embroidered brooches by noshii? I think I need one in every color. I could always risk a few digits and attempt to make one myself... But, for $25 a pop, I can afford to save the skill saw art for the pros and stick to using my digits for what they do best- opening wine bottles and ordering online.

via double takes

Weekends with the family

2009-12-12T15:42:00.000-08:00

Street Fighter IV. Puppy farts. Mimosas. Flipping through wedding photos. Making soup. Complaining about the loud neighbors next door.

I feel so old, and boring. And content.

*Note the owl portrait in the background, c/o Blissful Images. My fav.

If my husband had a missed connection for me...

2009-11-30T20:02:00.000-08:00

It would go a little like this. Minus the hipster chick, sub train for tattered old wine-stained couch.

Just curl up in the snuggie and blame the dog.

Art by Sophie Blackall

Happiness is a warm snuggie

2009-10-21T19:26:00.001-07:00

This year some co-workers and I are making our own snuggies and attending the office Halloween Party/Costume Contest. We mulled over names, attempting to find one that would offend the least amount of people. They would say, "Oh, cool snuggie. So what are you supposed to be anyways?'

Insert answer: Middle Aged White People. Couch Potatoes. A Band of Snuggie Bandits. Mentally Handicapped. The options are endless.

Me- I'm just looking for a reason to own a snuggie without looking like a complete tool. It's so much easier to answer your front door wrapped in a piece of cheetah print fleece when you're just being sustainable as opposed to creepy. Also, a "Snuggie Bandit" is much more exciting than my usual Halloween garb of normal work clothes, in which I explain to skeptical onlookers that I am a starving college student/sociopath. Duh.

Suddenly sexy vampires and naughty nurses seem totally lame. Snuggies for the win. Halloween 2009.

Right?

Image from here

vintage shoe love

2009-10-15T08:10:00.001-07:00

Wow.

4-0-whatthehellwasithinking?

2009-10-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

There's something about this weather that's killing my skin. The cold, the wind, getting too drunk with friends and forgetting to wash my makeup off at night. One will never know for sure.

As I inspected my pores in the mirror this morning, I was reminded of an incident that took place in the weeks leading up to the wedding. Maybe it was stress. Maybe it was the potato chip diet. All I know is that in the throes of wedding planning my face began breaking out like crazy. A bride-to-be's worst nightmare. I moaned. I cried. I went to work and tortured my office companions with my angst.

Was it a practical joke? Some innocent advice? One of my co-workers casually mentioned that a little Windex on my zits would do the trick (keep in mind, I've never seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding).

I rush home and rummage under my kitchen sink. Drats. No effing Windex. But, ahaha! 409 multi-surface cleaner. That's, like, the same thing, right?

No. It's not.

To sum it up, I coat my face in 409 multi-surface cleaner, My skin puffs up like something from a bad Cher movie, and Nick scoffs at my stupidity making comments like, "Why would you put something that you use to clean toilets on your face?"

That's a good question.

Sometimes weddings just make girls do crazy things.

Image from here

ostrich love

2009-10-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

You know how much I love short wedding dresses. And things that I'm sure my overly curvaceous hips could never pull off.

Check out this ostrich feather adorned dress by Sue Wong. Almost pretty enough to make me throw a second wedding (with Nick again, of course).

And here's the best part- it's under $600.

pinch me

2009-10-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

We just scored an immaculate angela adams area rug off craigslist for $70 delivered. Say what?

The woman showed up to drop it off sporting a crisp a-line bob, dewy cheekbones, and a brimming glass of white wine resting nimbly on her fingertips (in a stemless flute, I might add). A woman after my own heart.

I'm just waiting for her to wake up sober tomorrow morning and realize what she did. In the meantime, I have a rug to go rub my face all over.

My husband stopped reading my blog

2009-09-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

He says it's because I don't post anymore.

It's not that I don't have things to say. I'm just having temporary writer's block. I'll be back soon. I promise.

Image from ffffound!

Things I've been lusting after lately

2009-09-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

Chic dog ensembles by Beantown Handmade

Colorful pillows from Olive

Melissa shoes

Wood coasters

And gallons of homemade Sangria, of course.

flapper wedding

2009-09-05T20:40:00.000-07:00

If I were getting married again, I would definitely do it in this vintage flapper gown from Etsy. Body hugging. Champagne lace. Under $300. *sigh*

And of course I would pair it with this.

Don't get me wrong

2009-09-02T09:01:00.001-07:00

I loved our photographer, but my favorite shots will always be the ones taken by family.

feast & frolic

2009-08-30T08:13:00.000-07:00

Remember Meesha who created all of the beautiful paper flowers for her November wedding?
She recently opened her own Etsy shop that's full of custom arrangements. Even peonies! ♥

My favorite is the Cheerful Colors Bouquet (and not just because she's using our wedding napkins in the photo shoot).

I would totally commission her to make a paper wisteria for my apartment if I didn't think my cats would turn it into a jungle gym.

Honeymoon

2009-08-29T21:50:00.000-07:00

Hiking along the windy coast. Evenings in front of a fire. Eco-friendly Inn. Breakfast elves tapping on the door in the wee hours of the morn'. Post-fire-making splinter removal. How much organic bath gel does it take to make bubbles seep through the open windows? Kissing on the cliff. Peeing in the woods. More bath gel.

The only thing better than gallivanting nude in the privacy of your own room: gallivanting nude in the common areas of a B&B while sucking on complementary red vines from the mini bar.

Red Vines.

Champagne.

Streaking.

Love.

Lazy Sunday

2009-08-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

Homemade Sangria. The smell of clean towels. Rice crackers. Naps. More Sangria.

My favorite day of the week.

Lately

2009-08-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling very housewife-y these past few weeks. We finally moved into our new place. Boxes are (mostly) unpacked. New puppy. New neighborhood. New patio foliage to kill. I find myself spending hours talking in baby voices to The Zeld, inspecting spots on the carpet, and producing culinary experiments out of oversized zucchini.

The older I get, the less I know what it is that I want to be when I grow up. I've changed my mind so many times, now when people ask me when I'll be done with school I tell them never. I'm teetering on the brink of professional student and professional underachiever. Independent Filmmaker. Social Worker. Law Student. Starving Novelist. Not-so Starving Humor Writer. I could fill pages with this stuff.

I want a house with brightly painted walls. A garden. My good kitchen knives. The ability the thread my sewing machine. An unlimited supply of wine. HBO. My husband. My dog.

I could totally pull-off the whole puppy pee coated, 11 am Martini making, crazy-haired housewife thing.

photo from the flickr commons

Crazy Bride, Goofy Groom

2009-08-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

Photos by you know who

Details

2009-08-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

Photos by Joey Bloom

Zelda

2009-08-04T08:05:00.000-07:00

I've been MIA lately. I'm too busy chasing a diaper-less toddler around my apartment.

Parenthood. There's nothing quite as sweet as puppy breath or that sneak attack of turds on the living room carpet.

married life is a lot like unmarried life

2009-07-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

I still have to trick/bribe/threaten him to do chores. His snoring still isn't "cute". Bedtime still teeters between 8 and 9pm.

But, over these past few weeks I have noticed differences. People call me Mrs. now. It's a little creepy. The expression, "Don't make me go Snapped on your ass" escapes my lips more frequently during petty arguments. Sometimes I mean it. We watch a lot more Jeopardy. At first I thought Nick was just doing it to spite me, but now I see he really enjoys the show. There's something about being a husband that requires men to obnoxiously shout out answers then heckle the t.v. when contestants get them wrong.

For example, the other day we were watching Kids Week when one of the pre-teens blurted out the wrong answer to a fairly simple question. Staying true to fashion, Nick threw his arms up in the air and bellowed, "Oh. My. GOD. That was soooooo easy! I knew the answer to that. I did. What an idiot!"

"Sweetie, he's 12."

"He's a MORON."

I guess you could say married life is pretty sweet.

Image via FFFFOUND!

ummm...

2009-07-23T21:42:00.000-07:00

Love it.

Ceremony

2009-07-23T21:37:00.000-07:00

I rushed down the aisle with giddy anticipation- flailing my arms and giggling along the way. Quiet composure was beyond me. A poem. Tears. Eager vows. Even a stumble or two on our way back up the sand dunes. The Oregon beach never looked so good.

Photos by Joey Bloom

My Advice

2009-07-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

Head on over to A Practical Wedding to see yours truly featured as one of the newest Wedding Graduates. I'm almost too giddy to type.

Photo by Joey Bloom

Getting Ready

2009-07-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

At the beach house. Nick had the bottom floor. I had the top. Downstairs was a fiesta. Ties were straightened. Last minute pow-wows with the officiant were had. Liquor, chuckles, and even a polish dog or two.

Upstairs I sat anxiously in my cave, wringing my hands and waiting for the big reveal. Wedding blogs don't prepare you for this. Amongst the buzz of hectic day-of preparations, my frantic pleas could be heard echoing down the stairwell.

"Can somebody bring me some whiskey? I need a shot, dammit!"

Photos by Joey Bloom

Amanda, lover of doughnuts

2009-07-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

Professional photos are finally in. Head over to esb for the big reveal!

Photo by Joey Bloom

Yesssss!

2009-07-07T21:34:00.000-07:00

Our first wedding photobomb. Image: my dad and I posing happily on the beach before the ceremony. Photobomber: my feisty grandpa.

This is what weddings are all about.

Image by Joey Bloom

A little beach wedding advice

2009-07-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

I was excited to receive an email from my friend Brittney this morning announcing her engagement to long-time boyfriend Jacob. Congrats Brittney!

In the email she added, "I need to know EVERYTHING you know about having a beach wedding... need all your tips/tricks/and things to look out for! =)"

While I don't claim to be any sort of beach wedding expert (Ours was very non-traditional. No bridal party, no ceremony music, limited # of guests, etc.), I do have a few tidbits of advice for the low-key beach bride:

-Definitely consider how busy the beach is during the time of year you want to get married. Nick and I picked the weekend after Memorial Day weekend in hopes that the town would be pretty empty. We also picked a beach that we knew wouldn't be as packed (Manzanita) as say, Seaside or Cannon Beach (in Oregon). It worked out perfectly.

-Do you want a backup plan in case of bad weather? I was very anti-backup plan because I was so dead-set on getting married on the sand. You have to decide if getting married on a rainy beach is worth it to you. If you're like me, there are always umbrellas.

-Noise and music. We chose not to have any ceremony music for lots of reasons. First, it wasn't really in our budget to hire a ceremony musician and we didn't know anyone who could play an instrument for free (I was interested in splurging on a harpist, but was having trouble finding one in the area who would bring their harp out anywhere near the sand). Second, there was no way we were going to use an extension cord to drag a boom box onto the sand. It just wasn't realistic. Third (and most important), I loved just having the sound of the waves crashing in the background as I walked down the aisle. It was very serene. Also consider that you and your officiant will have to speak very loud so that your guests can hear you reciting your vows (ours had a hard time hearing us).

-Chairs. If you want to set up enough chairs for everyone and have a person in charge of hauling them off the beach afterward, that can be nice (assuming that like us, you are sans a day-of coordinator). We chose to just set up 5 on each side to create a makeshift aisle/allow for seating for those who physically couldn't stand the entire time. Depending on how many guests you have and what you want to set up on the beach (chairs, arbor, etc.) you might need to get a permit from the state (in Oregon). We didn't have to because we had under 50 guests. You may want to call the city that you are having the wedding in to double check.
-High tide and the sun. We planned our ceremony according to when we knew the tide would be out and the wind would be calm. Unfortunately, we didn't think about how bright the sun would be shining overhead in the afternoon. We originally wanted to take all of our formals beforehand, but ended up having to duck out of the reception a couple hours later in order to get some photos of us on the beach without squinting.

-Photobombers. Ok, ok. I'm kidding. But I did go through all of the photos my family took in hopes of finding one on the beach. No such luck. Just a few curious sunbathers. ;)

I'm sure I'm still missing some things, but my mind is drawing a blank. Once again, while our lack of music and decorations might not be for everyone, we felt the simplicity of it was much more "us".

Any other brides out there with some good beach wedding tips? Any questions?

Wanted: husband, house with a yard, .5 kids

2009-07-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of the arrival of our newest family member, I've been scouring Etsy for the coolest Indie dog supplies. The Gods have been good to me. It would only be fair to share some of my finds:
Bad dog good dog tag by Poochy Couture

Liberty print collar by Funky Mutts

VooDoo ex-boyfriend dog toy by Petsoul

Skull harness by The Cool Puppy

P.S. I'm still waiting for our wedding photos, so sorry for the delay of wedding-ish posts lately. But I promise, I will share. Soon.

Wedding Polaroids

2009-06-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

Having a Polaroid at our wedding didn't turn out exactly as planned. Those 210 cameras are harder to work than I imagined. Expired film. Bad lighting. Messy chemicals everywhere. But my sister did have herself some fun sneaking around the guests snapping candids.

My favorite would have to be this photo of my uncle tucked away in the kitchen- chugging a bottle of Riesling.

Amanda & Nick are totally jumping the gun

2009-06-19T21:28:00.000-07:00

But who could resist a guinea pig that totally looks like a dog? Or is it the other way around?

And I haven't even discussed the honeymoon yet.

It's been 17 days

2009-06-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

And I finally finished unpacking. Sand was dusted off shoes. Suitcases meticulously crammed back into the closet. A bottle of crisp white wine cracked open. A new duvet gloriously wrapped around my body. The pure bliss of a thread count induced high.

Nothing beats the smell of new linens. Or leather. Or plastic (don't tell me I was the only little girl who loved to sniff her barbies).

Sometimes I think that's why I'm such a nose picker. Gotta keep those airways clear to take in all these wonderful scents.

Yes, wedding planning has left me slightly deranged.

photo by James Jowers

Our Invitations

2009-06-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

I was beyond excited to see that Sarah of Things are better with a Parrott wrote this post today about our amazing wedding invitations. I meant to share them with you earlier, but my photos don't do them nearly as much justice as hers do. *sigh*

They go perfectly with our favor labels.

Did I also mention the sweet guest book she did for us? More on that later. With photos. I promise.

Photos from Sarah's flickr

Favor

2009-06-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

When we started the planning process many ideas were tossed around. Vintage salt & pepper shakers, bonsais, saltwater taffy, macaroons. All were scrutinized and left to fall by the wayside (or in the shakers' instance, the back of my mom's closet). Eventually just the sound of the word "favor" made me collapse in a sugary mental meltdown ("Sweetie, will you do me a quick favor?" Ahhhhhhhh! 'Sleep deprived bride goes to prison for shanking unsuspecting fiance...').

Then one day I ordered some goodies from Whimsy & Spice and fell madly in love with their homemade marshmallows. Soft, fragrant, heavenly. It was fate.

And so the story ends. We ordered a box of rose flavored marshmallows. Bows were tied around them with nimble fingers (*ahem*). Custom labels slapped on the front. A few may or may not have been secretly devoured in the meantime. And voila!

Would any of our guests have noticed if we didn't even have favors? Eh. Probably not.

Did Nick and I think they were cool-as-hell? Totally. And that's all that matters.

Disclaimer: No fiances were shanked in the making of these favors. And yes, the word "favor" still does make my eye twitch.

mrs. h is back

2009-06-03T19:19:00.001-07:00

Drank lots of pink vodka lemonade. Had even more fun. BBQ. Peonies. Sunsets on the beach.

More later.

Love,
Amanda

Sneak peaks from the new mother-in-law. Professional shots to come later. Of course.

peonies in a dish

2009-05-26T15:09:00.000-07:00

I'm so incorporating this into our centerpieces with my collection of thrifted milk glass bowls. 4 days!

Image from here

aw-shucks

2009-05-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

Myra is making my head get all big and bloated and full of hot air. I guess what I'm saying is, I'm completely flattered. And enamored. I have a gazillion more nose picking, pajama tossing, mattress thieving stories to share. After the wedding. And I'm sure I can dig up some fun zombie swag on Etsy to go along with the vampire slaying kit.

I love that you guys love me.

Image by Elizabeth Messina via Myra's flickr.

lust

2009-05-21T16:47:00.001-07:00

I have got to try some of these mouth watering caramels from Parisian Pastry Lab, Galipette. Ginger lemongrass? fleur de sel? Good-bye wedding diet.

Found via littlebrownpen.

Ten

2009-05-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

From button empire

Etsy break

2009-05-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

Knitware Tumblers by Alyssa Ettinger
Happy Hermits' Journal by Apak

Custom Tattered Tee by Bonzie

Pretty in Pink hairpins by yeah hello

Miniature Vampire Killer's Kit by pjjammers

The weight of memory by Peonies & Polaroids

Just a few of my favs.

Stones

2009-05-15T16:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you East Side. I knew I could count on you for some solid Groom Style advice. Check out Mick Jagger. Is that not the best 70's look or what? Matching shoes and belt. Simple shirt. No tie. Perfect.

Image from here

18 days and a recap, yo

2009-05-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

I've been adding "yo's" to the end of everything I say this past week. I blame it entirely on this.

Potato chip diet, I abhor you. Thankfully ass cellulite doesn't fall into my category of "wedding related things I have the energy to care about right now".

Our play list is finally finished. I had a few glasses of wine the other night and took over where Nick left off. No David Sedaris. Plenty of David Bowie and David Byrne.

The future ceremony location

Hair flower by Twigs & Honey (and a bolero that I can't get enough of!)

Sneak peek at the reception mini
The perfect pair of J Crew heels

A funky 70's suit

A plethora of DIY peonies

Birds from the runny bunny

Napkins, napkins, napkins

The excitement is killing me (exclamation, exclamation, exclamation)

Zen and the Art of Bed Bugs

2009-05-10T21:19:00.001-07:00

My restless nights of wedding stress have since melted away, only to be replaced with joyful anticipation. Anticipation to meet Nick's family. To spend time with mine. To stand barefoot on the beach and drink mass quantities of spiked lemonade. Such bliss.

While we are away on our honeymoon some of Nick's family will be keeping our cats company in our cramped apartment. In preparation for their stay I've been running around like a lunatic creating checklists. Put up new shower curtain liners. Scrub the cabinets. Hide the naughties. Wash the linens.

This afternoon as I was downstairs doing laundry I made a remarkable discovery in the hallway. An abandoned mattress. The perfect size for our empty trundle bed. A trundle bed that would make the most magnificent of guest beds for weary relatives. It was fate.

After dragging the mattress up three flights of stairs I finally busted through our front door in a puddle of wheezing sweat. Nick looked up from the computer in horror.

"No. Uh-uh. Not gonna happen. Take that thing back where you found it. It's vile."

I would be lying if I told you this was the first questionable object I dug up in our basement.

"What do you mean vile," I pleaded, conjuring up my best used-car salesman impersonation. "This thing is perfect! A Godsend! A steal!" I was already thinking about how grateful his brother would be when he discovered I just saved him from camping out on our cheap jute rug for a week.

"Well if that thing was abandoned, I'm sure it was for a good reason," he interjected. "And if it wasn't abandoned, then you must have stolen it from somebody moving in. It wasn't in the hallway, was it? Did you just jack that from someone?"

I thought fast. "Umm... no! I didn't steal it. I mean, I don't think I stole it. There was nobody around. It's mine!"

This went on until the used-car salesman morphed into psychotic-territorial-fiance who'll lose a limb before giving up this freebie. Eventually he gave up and slunk back to his computer while I inspected my prize. I put it through what I like to call Amanda's Test of Compatibility:

Visually the mattress looked sound. Check.

Next, I sniffed every square inch of its surface. No offending odors. Check.

Finally, I rubbed my face all over the top before grinning and tucking it away on our trundle frame. If I wake up tomorrow morning with hives, I'll consider it a sign. Only then will I admit defeat and lug my trophy back downstairs to where I found it. If not, I just scored us a pretty sweet guest bed.

I'll keep you posted.

Image by señor x

I know it's cliché, but I do have the best friends ever

2009-05-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

For my bachelorette party my friends came together to create the most joyous of Saturday nights. One made bundles of garland and goodie bags (etc.), while another set up a raunchy trip to a local pole dancing studio. After bribes of champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, and foam boobie cups, I made my way to the stripper pole- where I quickly slung my legs around it, grunted, "Uh-oh Gawwwwd!", and tumbled clumsily onto the hardwood floor. My prospects as a future pole dancer: not so bright. Stunt double in the next Jackass movie: call me.
My abs are still killing me from the deceiving workout and I can't bring myself to take the garlands down from my living room ceiling. I'm going to end this blog with a brief word association:

I-5 Rager
Man-sized teddy bear
Heckling fiance
Pole dancing: How to rack your groin with class
Phallic cutouts
Martha Stewart
Champagne hangover

The End.

Are you there Rain? It's me, Amanda

2009-04-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

30 days, on the dot. As I stare out my window onto the overcast Portland streets, I start to get nervous about our unprotected beach wedding. Being a native Oregonian, I love rain. Most people do not. I envision water, and satin, and sand.

My backup plan: eff backup plans. I want to get married on the beach.

I've spent this past year staying up at night worrying about napkins, and marshmallows, and garland. My teeth have been ground to nubs and the bags under my eyes might be permanent. It's not pretty.

Then I woke up the other morning and realized that I just don't care anymore. I've got a box of garlands somewhere in my apartment, a dress hanging in the closet, and a handsome man peacefully snoring away in the next room. That's all I need.

On my wedding day I'm going to get up and throw on my gown. Take a couple tequila shots. Slap on some mascara. And if it rains I will throw my arms up with delight, peer up at the sky, and jump in every puddle I encounter.

Image by James Jowers via Flickr commons

Thank-You's

2009-04-27T15:37:00.001-07:00

If the thought of doing another DIY after the garlands didn't make me want to cry, I would so whip up a batch of these amazing thank-you's by Jeffery Rudell to send to our guests. Maybe after the wedding I'll be feeling a bit more crafty?

via StumbleUpon

Just in Thyme

2009-04-23T12:41:00.001-07:00

I'm not usually a fan of cheesy wedding puns slapped on favors (i.e. "two peas in a pod"), but these herb favors make me smile. Who couldn't resist a little "roseMARRY" and "Mint to be"?

Photos by Jasmine Star via Earth Friendly Weddings

hood

2009-04-22T09:05:00.001-07:00

HeadHoods via Free People. I'm so loving the Audrey.

I guess you could call it an intervention

2009-04-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

The other day we found ourselves with a group of friends, wandering the aisles of City Liquidators, where all of the Snuggies and cheaply framed Scarface posters of the world go to die. After resisting my urge to snag a phallic driftwood statue, I ran into a display of LED tea lights. Like, gazillions of them. For cheap. Sure, they were discolored and slightly off-kilter. Maybe they worked. Maybe they didn't. I nimbly snatched a few off the wall while contemplating the lighting at a 3pm wedding- when I noticed Nick eyeballing me. He furrowed his brows and said, "Put them down."

So I did.

Image from here

Earth Day Giveaway!

2009-04-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

The lovely Jennifer of Earth Friendly Weddings is hosting a gigantic giveaway in honor of Earth Day. The winner will receive eco-friendly goodies including gift certificates, the Green Weddings book by Mireya Navarro, an antique button ring from Etsy, and more.

Head on over to her blog to check it out!

Our playlist is coming along... ?

2009-04-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

No, we aren't Twilight fans. Obviously. But Nick is a huge Iron and Wine buff.

Though, I do struggle with the reoccurring urge to sabotage his playlist with nostalgic David Sedaris skits. How great would that be? Sneak one in when he's not looking. All of our friends and family gathered around meticulously decorated tables, enjoying tidbits of yummies on our wedding day, just to encounter Sedaris explaining the Dutch relevance of 6 to 8 black men on Christmas Eve over the sound system at our reception venue. Yes.

I could. It would be 1 part a**hole, 2 parts awesome.

leanne

2009-04-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

I'm dying to see more of Leanne Marshall's eco-friendly bridal creations. Gowns starting at $1300.

Go Leanne!

Anemone

2009-04-14T22:02:00.000-07:00

I need this. Badly. Mainly for tickling Nick's nose while he's sleeping. I could wear it with my imaginary hand warmers and be in recycled fox fur heaven.

From Sara Lagacé on Etsy.

ok, I bluff

2009-04-10T08:32:00.001-07:00

I realized when I ended an argument with Nick the other day by using the line, "Oh shut up, Stewie Pajamas," that maybe I shouldn't have been such a bluff before. Love is: leaving your partner's beloved nightwear in the free bin downstairs, then pretending the cat ate them when he hunts for them after work.

On a lighter note, we've been getting a ton of RSVP's back and I'm starting to get antsy. 50 days.

Now, I'm off to a weekend of overpriced Rubies, Fleet Foxes, and bad reality TV.

Love,
Amanda

Image from *meppol

baby goats

2009-04-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

I can't get over how much I love this photo of Nick frolicking with my parents' baby goats.

baby goat ♥

I'm not gonna lie...

2009-04-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

I haven't been blogging much wedding stuff lately because I've been too busy staring at this picture over on FAIL Blog (I know what you're thinking Nick. Enough is enough. It's not that funny). After grabbing my cup of coffee this morning and scrolling through pages of FAIL's to get to my beloved photo, it hit me that I am in desperate need of an intervention.

All of this wedding talk has melted my brain into a smelly puddle of sophomoric ooze.

I find myself gazing way too long at the page-a-day Brevity calendar my mom got for us last Christmas (I think I finally understand it. I don't get the jokes because they really aren't there). The other week I giggled as Nick called me on my cell to give me the play-by-play of an intoxicated homeless man duking it out with a rosebush outside our apartment (the conversation was complete with lines like, "no way, man" and "if I only had a camera right now..."). I even caught myself whispering the name "Brian Peppers" to a co-worker yesterday as I refilled my coffee cup in the lunch room.

I think this has something to do with my denial of actually being an adult. I've been ducking the title since my eighteenth birthday. Not any more. Marriage is a sobering thing. 52 more days. I need to get it all out of my system. Because married adults actually make the bed every day and have more productive things to do than read FAIL Blog, right? No more Saturday morning cartoons. Jeopardy and backgammon all the way.

La fin... man.

(If I start making poop jokes in the next week or two you'll know where they came from.)

Speaking of Cupcakes

2009-04-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

Saint Cupcake here in Portland is now shipping yummy cupcake kits nationwide. You pick the flavors, frosting, and sprinkles, then days later you get a delicious box of caloric goodness delivered to your doorstep. I'm salivating just looking at that cup-o-frosting.

found via makool

I've been craving a cupcake for weeks now

2009-04-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

I think it has something to do with my desire to drown out pre-wedding stress with binge eating. Nothing that a margarita and a good pair of Spanx can't cure.

Image from this tumblr

our invites::my new polaroid infatuation

2009-04-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

Invitations by Sarah
Mediocre photography by me

Because now my digital camera just seems so boring.

suitcase cat

2009-04-02T06:45:00.000-07:00

Vintage Suitcase Pet Bed from Vintage Renaissance on Etsy. Found via MJSSJM.

My obese cats would so love this.

my polaroid

2009-04-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

My favorite thing about shooting with my new Polaroid 210 is that between my mediocre skills, expired film, and insane lighting, I never know how the photos are going to turn out.

I love them all.

P.S. we will be getting married on that beach in less than two months. I ♥ Oregon.

speaking of creepy

2009-03-31T08:13:00.000-07:00

I was just reminded of an amusing story that I should totally not share. But I will.

I used to think it was funny to listen for the door in our apartment hallway to know when Nick was coming home from work. Then, when I would hear keys jingling, I would stealthily unlock our front door, jump out, and scare the crap out of him (would you believe he screams like a girl?).

So one day it was about time he should be coming home. I hear the hallway door. I creep over. Jingling keys. I quietly open our door then leap into the hallway and yell BOO! as loud as I can.

It was our neighbor across the hall coming home with her boyfriend. They just stand there silently staring at me. She looks as though she isn't sure if she should karate chop me or give me meds. I purse my lips, slowly back into my apartment, and shut the door.

The End.

Image from here

Part 2

2009-03-31T07:33:00.000-07:00

A long time ago I posted part 1 of a "cool wedding clutch" series that I had all intentions of finishing- but like most things in my life (and if you are close to me you know this is all too true), I got distracted by a pretty object outside my apartment window, something cool came on tv, I got hungry... and I completely forgot.

Now it's almost a year later. I'm going to publicly admit that I recently developed a creepy new habit. For the past few weeks one of the first things I do in the mornings, after making a cup of coffee and prying my kitties out from their hiding spots to squeeze them, is run to the computer to check the new listings in made by hank's Etsy shop. It's like Christmas every morning (ok, not every morning, but close enough).

I've already purchased two and there's no end in sight. I'm addicted. Sure, white, satin, beaded, lace clutches are great- whatever- but aren't these colorful handmade bags so much more fun? Also, getting my favorites has turned into a sort of competition. The moment they're listed they go like hotcakes. You spot a favorite, get up to refill your coffee, then BAM, it's already gone. I've got to be quick. I've got to be alert. (To whoever bought the deer applique bag- *shakes my fist*)

Like I said, It's gotten me a little creepy. Creepier.

I just refreshed her shop again. *eye twitch*

Voodoo

2009-03-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

Just when you thought you couldn't get enough of my "support local business", "Go Portland", "I ♥ Oregon" hoopla, I go and throw Voodoo Doughnut into the mix.

I'm happy to announce the addition of some yummy custom pink "Portland Creme" doughnuts to our wedding dessert table. (I think they'll look lovely next to our cakes(s)).I'm going to stack them all pretty on some of our vintage cake stands like Martha does here, except these won't be quarantined to the "kids' table" like she suggests. These are intended to make even the oldest of grandpas melt into a frosting-coated puddle of childhood glee (I'm actually counting on a few candid wedding photos of this exact thing happening. Please).

Because who doesn't love pastry filled with custard?

P.S. that lovely was for you Emilia Jane. ;)

Images from here and here

pillow talk

2009-03-28T05:10:00.000-07:00

It's 4 am and my insomnia is getting the best of me...

Nick- [snore]

Me- Sweetie, I can't stop thinking about John Goodman doing yoga.

hmph

Actually, I think he was meditating.

[snore]

Is it wrong that I find the chubby kid so amusing?

mmhmph

[chuckle] Oh, that David Byrne!

OK

(Note for the morning: go buy more Tylenol PM)

Whimsy & Spice Favors

2009-03-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

To be featured in an upcoming issue of Martha.

♥

Images from here

hmph

2009-03-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend I relaxed. Hung out with my parents at the beach. 67 more days to go. I took some mediocre Polaroids (after I figured out how to work the shutter). Rejoiced in our handmade garlands (thanks again friends for your 6+ hours of hard labor). Pranced around in my sexy wedding shoes. Ate 3/4 of an entire pineapple upside-down cake (f*ck you pre-wedding diet). Went to a stupid beach wedding show. Squeezed some goats. Drank lots of wine. Now it's back to reality.

Work. Bad TV. Dishes. Work. More wine. Hmph.

Love,
Amanda

p.s. check out those guns in that picture. I know, right?

Photo by Joey Bloom

my sanity

2009-03-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

I recently came across this photo taken of me at Meesha's Bachelorette Party. After my initial reaction of "what the hell was I wearing?", I came to realize that this really does embrace my feelings about wedding planning thus far. Note the expression on my face. It screams: awkward, reluctant*, annoyed, and hasn't ingested nearly enough booze yet to make this "fun".

Our wedding website says we've got 71 more days to go. Cocktail anyone?

*Not reluctant about marrying Nick, but still reluctant about the whole idea of "weddings" in general.

*And Meesha, I hope you know I'm referring to the wig, not your bachelorette party. That was fun. The wig was not.

So we bought a Polaroid 210

2009-03-19T17:09:00.001-07:00

...and I found a killer hookup at a local camera store for some cheap-as-hell 669 film. (I love being a girl)

Check out these amazing wedding photos taken with a Polaroid 210 that I found on Flickr. I'm going to cry with joy if ours turn out half as nice.

From Dunstan's Flickr

70's wedding

2009-03-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

Stumbled across this on flickr and had to share. Yes, I have a thing for dresses with long lace sleeves.

It's almost dress season

2009-03-18T07:59:00.001-07:00

I just love the look of a sweet summer dress paired with colorful heels and a cardigan. In less than two months I will be wearing this look five days a week. I have a vast collection of Anthropologie sales rack items and cleverly tailored thrift-store dresses that are dying to jump out of my closet.

Enough with turtleneck season already!

Dress found here

wedding map

2009-03-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

In our attempts to keep our wedding as eco-friendly as possible, we decided to forgo the usual direction cards in our invitations and make a wedding website instead. When I was hunting around online for the best way to give our guests sensible directions to our ceremony and reception, I came across wedding mapper.

It's free, includes user friendly "directions to" and "directions from" functions (similar to Google maps), has symbols to show ceremony, hotels, airports, etc. on the map- and even allows you to add photos for each location (again, very reminiscent of Google). Once I put ours together I added a link to the map in our wedding website, and voila!I don't claim to be the most computer savvy person around, but our map turned out pretty freakin' cool if I might say so myself.

(I believe some of the fancier wedding websites include mapping functions, but since ours was free and simple, this worked well for us.)

short wedding dresses under $500

2009-03-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

Custom vintage slipdress by kt jean designs on Etsy. $250

White as snow and Mayflower dresses by Sarah Seven on Etsy. $455 and $195 (custom colors available)

BCBG Strapless Appliqué dress at Nordstrom. $398

Gold Spalding dress by Makool Loves You on Etsy. $475

Diane von Furstenberg Hippolyte dress from Nordstrom. $495 (my favorite)

And don't forget my all-time favorites from Holly Stalder: here, here, and here. I'm a little obsessed.

earring hunt

2009-03-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

I'm currently on the hunt for the perfect gold and pearl/pink stone earrings to complete my wedding day look. I've been hunting for hours to no avail.

I need something delicate. Not too long. Not too loud. But still unique. Easy on the wallet. Preferably handmade or vintage.

Any suggestions?

Have a lovely weekend!

Oh yeah- Giveaway Winners!

2009-03-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

I was so caught up in Polaroid drama this morning that I completely forgot to pick the winners of the Napkin Giveway (I won't get into too many details, but it involved me trying to shove Fuji pack film into a Polaroid 600 camera and cursing myself for being such a jackass. I know.). Along those lines, would you believe that I couldn't even figure out how to use Random.Org? No joke. In my defense, I haven't had any coffee yet this morning.

So I dug through a pile of crap on our counter and came up with Nick's old hunting cap,
haphazardly cut up tiny bits of paper and wrote names on them, then used the old-fashioned method of closing my eyes and letting fate take its course.Congrats to Heidz and Caitlin (of Think Happy Thoughts)! Please send me an email (amandarose_w [at] hotmail.com) with your napkin of choice and mailing address and I will get those out to you as soon as possible.
And of course after the drawing I fed the names to my obese cat...who was more than happy tear them to bits and devour them. (Please no emails from angry animal rights activists. It's only fiber- and lead.)

Thank you!

An Ode to Munchkin

2009-03-11T21:30:00.000-07:00

This photo brings me back to my years as an awkward, underdeveloped pre-teen (ok, ok, teen), who carried a pet rat around in her pocket everywhere she went. His name was Munchkin. I fed him cheese from a can.

He went with me to the park. To the store. There are snapshots tucked away in a scrapbook somehwere of just the two of us posing in an arcade photo booth. My most vivid memory: the look of anger on my mom's face after I got us kicked out of Costco for sneaking Mr. Munch cheese samples through my coat pocket.

Those were the days. Who needs boys when you've got a rat the width of a grapefruit hanging out on your shoulder?

(Hey, the pair of morbidly obese cats lounging around my apartment right now, if you're reading this- be warned. You could so be replaced with a $5 rodent any day. I don't bluff.)

Image from here via Double Takes

vintage stamps

2009-03-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

I've managed a hook-up via the kind gentlemen at my local Post Office for a handful of vintage stamps at face value. If you've ever gone vintage stamp hunting on ebay, you would know what a steal this is. While on the inside I'm screaming with bargain glee, the whole process seems like a secret op, black market, undercover mission to me.

I go to the Post Office. I tell him it's for my wedding. I bat my eyelashes and smile. The man behind the counter shows me a page containing the photocopied images of various stamps. I point out which ones I like. I come back the next day, the man behind the counter slips me a sheet of paper with a man's name and phone number. I call the number and leave a voice message. The man on the sheet of paper leaves my stamps with the man behind the counter. I leave a check.

I feel like James Bond. James Bond with some cool-ass vintage stamps.

Image from here

IWD: Pretty Pictures

2009-03-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that up until reading this article on NPR today I was completely unaware of the treasure trove that is Flickr Commons. I spent the afternoon floating through vintage photography heaven, and even found a little something for us wedding-crazed brides to enjoy:

Whoa Frocky!

2009-03-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

So I know I just posted about the amazing Portland designer Julia Barbee of Frocky Jack Morgan, but you have to go and check out this article from the Portland Mercury right away. Not only does she create eco-friendly, one-of-a-kind gowns, but she is incredibly affordable as well.

Quoted from the article:

"The best thing about Frocky Jack Morgan (besides being totally sustainable, a fact that she never mentions once, BTW)? The most Barbee has ever charged for a dress was $600, but most pieces go for between $100 and $350."

I'm speechless.

Image from here.

Did I also mention that I'm not a huge fan of traditional cake toppers either?

2009-03-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

But I can totally see something like this by the runny bunny on Etsy making an appearance on our dessert table.

Nick's vintage suit

2009-03-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we made a trip over to Keep 'Em Flying on 21st and picked up the slickest vintage 70's suit for Nick to wear to the wedding. I have to admit, when I first saw it on the hanger it seemed a little too loud for my taste, but the second he slipped it on we knew it was the one.

The best part was when we brought it home and discovered these vintage ticket stubs in one of the pockets. After snapping a few pictures, I decided to slip the tickets back into the pocket where I found them. The superstitious part of me doesn't think it would be right to remove them. Who knows, maybe they will bring us some luck?

Frocky

2009-03-06T17:10:00.001-08:00

I love all of these eco-friendly ensembles from Portland designer Frocky Jack Morgan.

A statement from creator Julia Barbee:

"Frocky Jack Morgan served in WWI and lived in North Carolina near my family. He defected, and wore a house dress because Jesus wore a dress.

I create because I am created. My inspiration draws from tactile bits, woolen fiber, and gossamer. I deconstruct because it allows me to embellish with extraordinary antique pieces exploring the history of the garment industry through old couture hems and grandma's tatting; it breeds a dance between finding materials to design with, and composing a form to work towards, and I can be a steward of the environment in a small way. I favor a neutral palate forcing texture to become a more dominant element. Formally trained in sculpture, I use my education in creating clothes, sculpting on the human body.

Each piece is one of a kind; mass-market is not the ideal here."

Images from here.

I've never been too keen on guest books

2009-03-06T12:41:00.000-08:00

There's something about the idea of standing in line to try and write something clever and heartfelt in a boring ledger that makes me cringe, but when I saw this sweet little book that Emilia Jane of Auburn & Ivory made for her fiance, I knew I had to have one.Doilies left over from the Garland Party + Polaroids + a little creativity = best guest book ever.

Napkin Giveaway (and no eyeballing my obese cat)

2009-03-05T21:05:00.000-08:00

Melissa just reminded me that I completely forgot to share pictures of the napkins my grandma generously sewed for our wedding. Ta-da!

Now that the pictures are out in the open, I have a little confession to make. You see, being the wonderfully sweet lady my grandma is, after receiving yards of fabric in the mail, she did some equations with the measurements and decided to surprise me with double the number of napkins I originally requested. How did I get so lucky?

While a greedy part of me wants to keep every last piece of delicious fabric, I know what needs to be done. Being the eco-conscious, practical young woman that I am, I decided the best thing to do is host a little napkin giveaway to thank my readers. So, if any of these vibrant pink patterns catch your eye, please leave a comment letting me know which one is your favorite by midnight on Wednesday, March 11th, and I will randomly pick 2 winners to receive a set of 6 napkins of their choice. (Use them as hankies, bandannas... napkins, I don't care- just please appreciate my granny's hard work while you do so.)

I hope you all know how grateful I am to receive your comments and words of encouragement on my upcoming wedding- and this is just a small token of my appreciation!

:?: Note: The obese cat in the 1st photo is not part of the giveaway. I know, I know, I'm such a tease. Don't worry, you're not missing much.

:!: Also, a super-duper thanks to East Side for validating my cool-blogness by recently adding me to her blog roll. I know this might sound creepy (OK, whatever, I'm creepy), but when I squealed in excitement after discovering this the other day, Nick gave me perplexed look like he didn't know if he should give me a congratulatory hug or shove some wine and a sleeping pill down my throat- but I didn't care. Fiances don't need to understand how cool East Side is. They just need to know that when it comes to groom style, what she says goes. Thank you.

Tina Givens

2009-03-03T18:49:00.001-08:00

Ever since I got the materials for our napkins, I've been obsessed with the fun prints of Tina Givens Fabric. I see a few throw pillows in my near future (that is, when I recover from the garlands).

Images from Fabric Shoppe on Etsy.

satin reservations

2009-03-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, despite my undying love for my 30's inspired satin gown, I've been having reservations about the idea of satin on the beach. Thanks to this post over on Polka Dot Bride, my mind is now at ease. Does she not look absolutely stunning?

I think I can pull it off.

'tis a shame?

2009-03-02T13:21:00.001-08:00

From Nick via reddit.

Garland Party cont.

2009-03-02T09:14:00.001-08:00

I think I drank more mimosas than anyone else and still complained the most (my fingers feel like they're falling off. I can't do this anymore. I'm dyyyyyyying!)

Nonetheless, after 5 and a half hours of non-stop garland making, the four of us completed six very lovely, very long (45'), doily garlands. My friends might look like they're smiling in that last photo, but rest assured, I'm positive they were envisioning wrapping those garlands around my neck and strangling me with them.

Say hello to my first and last DIY wedding project. I'm crafted out for the next year- at least.

Glovers

2009-02-28T04:07:00.001-08:00

And no, I did not just make that term up.

They can be found here.

12 minutes

2009-02-27T16:48:00.000-08:00

Button from here

I take it back

2009-02-25T23:07:00.000-08:00

This is the most romantic Bukowski I could find.

From Bukowski's unpublished love letters to Linda King.

Yes, Yes

2009-02-25T22:28:00.000-08:00

I've been racking my brain lately trying to figure out how to incorporate a Bukowski poem into our vows. Unfortunately, the most romantic one I could find is this- and I have a feeling that wouldn't fly too well with the family.

This one will always remain my favorite. That's definitely out.

The hunt ensues.

Image from here

double-wide & a camel

2009-02-23T22:12:00.000-08:00

Images from here

Pink Bouquets

2009-02-23T15:07:00.000-08:00

I want all of these lovely pink bouquets from Martha.

Purchase #157 after all wedding expenses are paid:

2009-02-21T22:08:00.000-08:00

Get that eyesore of a crooked tramp-stamp covered.

Note to any potential High Schoolers reading: It's never a good idea to- in the throes of teenage angst and rebellion- get a basement tattoo by a friend of a friend of a friend's creepy uncle.

That's all.

Picture by Joey, from here

Sarah,

2009-02-21T21:58:00.000-08:00

Because of you I'm begging my mom to plant Sweet Peas in her garden.
Images from Saipua, of course

A hike in Forest Park

2009-02-21T21:35:00.000-08:00

I feel blessed to live in a city where I can step out of my cramped downtown apartment, and after a twenty-minute walk, find myself surrounded by all of this.

Nick and I decided we want to be forest dwelling hermits when we grow up.

Polaroid

2009-02-20T21:11:00.001-08:00

After some recent photo inspiration, tonight on my way home from work I had an epiphany and instantly called my sister.

"Hey kid, so I've got the best idea ever. I know we're having a photographer and everything, but wouldn't it be so fun if I got an old camera off Ebay and you took some Polaroids for us? Then maybe we could make it into a guest book or have some extra photos just for fun? This is going to be great. Now text me this idea in a little while because I'm probably going to forget all about it in the next few minutes."

Now I already bought the camera on Ebay, but I had no idea how expensive film is. $2-$3 a photo? Even more if you don't want stuff that expired in 2007? Jeesh!

So it may have been a little premature to jump into the idea without considering the budget first, but this is going to be great. (I hope)

Image from here

A bouquet that never dies

2009-02-19T08:54:00.000-08:00

The lovely cotton bridal bouquet from Jessica & Jamie's NY wedding. (If only peonies were this resilient)

Found at NY Wedding Guide via Once Wed.