I feel like I morphed into one of those girls...

Hey esb,

I'm tsk tsk-ing myself because I have yet to contact you about MY wedding details and/or conundrums.

I mean, hello you're the effing hbic when it comes to honesty/shaming, dispelling Wedding expectations and making sense of all the minutiae of pre nuptial Craziness.

I've been lucky to rely on my 2 bbffs, who have both gone down the aisle, for most things. I'm now 71 days (thanks silly knot ticker) from our day. I'm standing back all of a sudden and I'm surprised w how traditional I've gone w things. Like, I always imagined my wedding to be so out there or at least one of a kind... But I fear I got sucked into all the blogs and crafty diy madness that saturated the hipster bridal scene.

Anyways, is this a normal feeling? Have I had an overdose of wedding identity stress?

I feel like I morphed into one of those girls and i'm not just following my instincts. Months of looking at super staged, perfect wedding "inspired" shoots got to me.

I should just say fuck it to the "sparkler send off" and just offer explosive rats.

*****

first: delete your knot profile RIGHT FUCKING NOW. didn't i teach you better than that?

second: i think you'll regret it if you don't start following your instincts and let a few weird-y details in.

if not an exploding rat send-off, then what about found-object favors?

(Geneva Hopson via Arthouse at the Jones Center)

we're counting on you to be a tastemaker.

Illustration at top by Aleksandra Kopff 

personality test FAIL

Ilovejezebel inspired me to take this test, and now I'm really pissed off about the results.

I may be a Guardian in that I'm trying to shepherd some of you through the wedding-planning process, but I'm no Mother Teresa. (Or Martha Stewart.) I'm an Artist, GODDAMMIT.

Hey Keirsey, you try and finish a screenplay without setting some motherfucking deadlines. Go ahead.

(Photo by unpiano via  me melodia.)

Blog of the Week(ish): even*cleveland

1. I've been known to rage against video embedded on blogs...but a whole mini mix tape greeted me on even*cleveland this rainy morning and it was just what I needed.

2. Stephanie posts the most terrific imaginary outfits. I still dream about this one in particular.

2a. She has terrific taste in jewelry. (In case you're ever seeking the perfect gift for me, it is, in fact, a Rat Jaw Ring.)

3. I straight-up stole her elegant, uber-long running list of labels.

4. Something about Stephanie's outlook on art and femalehood and living a creative life calms me down. Maybe that's why I've been drawn to her blog lately. 

"A Heavy Net" by Iwase Yoshiyuki via even*cleveland

rattus rattus

One of my favorite presents for our year of the rat wedding (L knows me well) was a set of Invasive Species Dinnerware from non fiction design collective, including Ship Rat, Gypsy Moth, Fire Ant and European Starling plates.

So rad.

Now I want this chandelier.

can we keep the year of the rat a little longer?

I loved the year of the rat.

(Image ffffound here)

my mascot (courtesy of banksy)

I'm starting a new job tomorrow, which means getting up earlier than I'd like.

I'm not complaining. It's gonna be fun...

(Stencil by Banksy. Photo by H-town.)

Tagged

Alissa at grace's birdcage wedding tagged me. Okay...

RULES:
1) you link back to the person who tagged you.
2) post these rules on your blog.
3) share six unimportant things about yourself.
4) tag six random people at the end of your entry.
5) let the tagged people know by leaving a comment on their blogs

Here goes.

1. I love rats.

2. I hate Banana Republic and The Gap.

3. Wheat gives me a screaming headache, but very occasionally I eat a donut anyway. Or three.

4. I wear orange for good luck.

5. The best job I ever had (all things considered) was at a video store, the summer after I graduated from high school.

6. I was introduced to Bill Murray on the street in New York. He held out his hand and said, "Hi, I'm Bill Murray." Yeah you are.

Now I'd like to hear from

the lovely and thoughtful Peonies and Polaroids
the slammin' jewelers Digby & Iona
the mistress of ties I won't shut up about toybreaker
my new girl crush Emma Cassi
the dudes at kingsbury
and my new obsession scout holiday

(Image by Banksy, snapped by FH)

Essential Ingredients for a DIY Bride

Here's to planning a wedding in the Year Of The Rat.
Happy New Year!

(Image courtesy of ratical)