In need of a large dry erase board

I think it's come to that. I think we need to start a centralized list on a massive whiteboard so we can keep track of things. Many lists in many places will no longer do.

Janna: You are my inspiration!

Mr. & Mrs. Plaster - The Makeover

So here they are, freshly painted. It's hard to tell from the pictures, which are not true to colour, but the original "skin tone" was really orange and the gown had some tea coloured staining.
All in all, I'm pleased! They look much fresher and it was fun to meticulously paint them for a few hours.

Mr. & Mrs. Plaster

This is my current project. I found this vintage beauty on ebay for 7 dollars, and as expected, since it was only 7 dollars and it's old, it's a wee bit dingy. But aren't they cute? I am going to tediously colour match and retouch them so they have a fresher, less garage-sale look about them so they may proudly top our cake in 5 or so months.

Hey dummy!

I'm a smart person. Ask anyone who knows me!
But occasionally, I have a really lame mental misfire, like this little whopper:

I will be a bridesmaid in 19 days.
We had the dresses made.
It is paid for, and hanging in my closet.

Yet still .... still I randomly think of May 16th and panic:

"WHAT WILL I WEAR?!?!?!?!"

What's in a name?

As I have mentioned, my BFF of 15 years, will be married soon. 20 days from now, to be exact. She, like many women (most women?) will be taking her husband's name.
I was thrilled to hear that they got engaged, and I have enjoyed our simultaneous wedding planning and it is truly a special time and it's very exciting that we got to do it in synch. I do, however, hesitate when I think of her being Janna New-Last-Name and not Janna Original-Last-Name anymore. This is not because I don't think she should change it, or that I think his last name is unpleasant, or even that I think her first and middle names don't match his last name; it's really just because she will, at least on paper, be someone else.
Now, I know she won't change who she is and I don't think she is compromising her integrity in any way, but I know for myself, the quandary of possibly changing my name is something I have been mulling over for years and I continue to, with no solid resolve. If I believe nothing changes, then why the hesitation?
Growing up, my mother had her first husband's last name and I had(have) my father's. My parents were never married. I admit that, at times, I had the childhood longings for a "normal" family, a more nuclear unit, where everyone belonged to everyone and we all had a name in common. I also remember when my parents broke up, believing, in my 7 year old's heart, that had they been married they might have stayed together.
As an adult, I understand that such things are not so simple. I also believe that if I could feel this way, so could my child(ren).
I know that historically women were possessions and marriage contracts were all business, and that by taking his name, a transfer of ownership, from your father to your husband, was cemented. Does this mean that every woman who changes her name is "honouring" this unpleasant history and condoning it? I don't believe so. I think that whatever my choice is (and thankfully I have that choice)it will be reflective not of centuries of oppression (or railing against it) but of me, here, and now. I believe I could change my name and not lose anything. But what would I gain? A family name? Is that enough?
The leap from my name to Rob's is not a big one. They both start with L, both have 2 syllables and both are French. Not really much of a stretch. But still, it would be a new name! I have spent 27 years with the one I have, and frankly, not only am I used to it, but I like it. My first and middle names sound fine with his last name, it's not awkward, not ill-fitting, but still ... it's not mine.
I offered up the idea that he change his name to mine. He didn't bite. When I asked why not, his reply was "I like mine better". So why isn't it that simple for me? It's that history! Those centuries of ingrained "how-to".
Obviously, I have not decided. But I'd like to. Soon. Thoughts?

It's a spring thing

No wonder April, May and June are the busiest wedding months! I think romance is greater than the sum of each season, though some months do say "love" more than others. There is just something about the sights and sounds of spring that really get the blood flowing. In spring, things are budding and blooming, awakening and coming alive. The Earth spills forth new energies and colours and seems to inspire everyone, human and beast alike, to go forth and multiply. Interesting though, that spring doesn't seem like a "sexy" season, not like summer (perhaps it's all the skin?). No, spring has retained it's pastel sweetness. If Rob and I had chosen a spring wedding, it might have looked something like any of these details ...







all images from marthastewart.com/weddings

Success!

Back from shoe shopping. It was a roaring success. I got 2 pairs of black wedges because I couldn't choose and they were both reasonably priced. They are both very comfy so either one would be perfect for my up coming bridesmaid duties.


and



Now for the most exciting part! My lovely niece, Justine, who will also be a bridesmaid in our wedding found red shoes to go with her black dress! Not only are they HOT, they were a major steal, especially considering they are Steve Maddens.

Back on track ...

Wow. I have been a delinquent blogger. It's been a busy couple weeks (no excuses!)
But I am back and on track. Apology over.

Now, on to more pressing issues. SHOES.
As mentioned in previous posts, I am a bridesmaid in my BFF's wedding which is suddenly ridiculously close. (three weeks away, close!) My dress is ready (thanks again for choosing black, Janna!) but I need some shoes! Of course I own black heels, but none of them are very comfortable because I don't wear them often so I buy cheap, trendy ones. I have never invested in good quality, non torture device, heels.

In addition to needing black heels I can wear all day for Janna's wedding, I need some to wear for MY wedding and clearly they cannot be the same shoe. I have some changes to make to my wedding dress (adding sleeves) and the length needs to change (I'm 5'2": story of my life) but none of those things can happen without the shoes dictating height and all of that.

So today is shoe day. I will leave the house in about an hour in search of some cute new kicks, but before I go, here is some of my inspiration:

Pretty (ain't nothin' wrong with that)

I wonder if I could pull off this look?

Perhaps as the 'fascinator' on a birdcage veil? It's so lovely and delicate, as is everything at one of my top 10 Etsy shops Portobello. All of their wares are beautiful, original and vintage inspired. Some are even made of genuine high-end vintage pieces. Definitely drool worthy.

Oh to be showered with gifts!

My friend (and maid of honour) Janna's bridal shower is this Friday! I have never been to a bridal shower but I do know what they are for: GIFTS! Traditionally they were all about outfitting a bride with domestic necessities (pot holders anyone?) and later evolved into an excuse to *literally* outfit the bride-to-be in anything slinky and kinky.
I asked Janna what would be embarrassing to open in front of her soon-to-be mother in law (and her own mother) and the only resounding answer was sex toys of any kind. Since that is easily the most personal item one could buy, I would never venture to presume what would be adequate anyway.
I am happy to say, though, that her non-silicone, no-batteries-required gift is wrapped, the card is written and it is waiting for Friday afternoon's High Tea.
How exciting!

The turning of the tables ...

I have the great honour of being a bridesmaid in my bestie/maid of honour Janna's wedding. I also have the responsibility of wearing whatever she makes me! Luckily, she is a sensible, kind woman with great taste because the dresses are SO cute. I just got mine today and it's lovely. Our dresses are all unique, and made by the incomparable Jane Bon-Bon.
Jane's style and craftsmanship is exquisite, and these affordable, handmade dresses are just wonderful. I am a big fan now and I think I will have others made as well. Maybe this one or this one, or maybe this one.
Because really, how would I choose? And since they are so well made, and customizable, the price is totally justified. Plus, Jane is very nice to work with and you get to meet her little dog, Bon-Bon, (hence the name)when you visit her in-home studio.

Pretty and personal

The guys' ties are in! They arrived yesterday and they are gorgeous!
I'm so glad we followed through on these.
Not one of these young men are tie wearing types, possibly with the exception of Jon, our MC, so it seemed like a good idea to make the tie wearing experience as personal and light-hearted as possible.

Delinquent

I have been a bad blogger. I have lacked the inspiration and verve it takes to churn out posts. My guilt was somewhat assuaged when my bestie, Janna, said that she had been reading it and thought I had really been productive. Upon further investigation, I came to understand that it had been awhile since she had tuned in, so relatively speaking, it seemed like I'd been busy. Le sigh.

So, onward and upward. I promise I'll do better.