Tablescaping: An Ode to Sunflowers

Hello friends...

With just over two months to go until my wedding, the stress has finally hit me. So much to do, and (unbelievably) so little time. For the last week I've been cranking the letterpress and assembling invitations. I've had absolutely no energy for cranking out blog posts as well!

However, today you can find me over at Maggie Rose, showing you how my dining table looked *before* it was taken over with paper and inks and snippets of this and that.

Click the picture to see my full post at Maggie Rose!

Back soon (I hope).

xoxo

Elizabeth

The Lockhart's Trove

I spotted something with my name on it at the Imm Living sale at Joss and Main today- a Lockhart's Trove! Done in white ceramic, these whimsical padlock-and-key themed coin banks have an heirloom quality that I admire...

While I'm awfully fond of the scrolling patterns of the smaller bank, the larger version has proven too perfect to pass up. A Lockhart's Trove emblazoned with a stately leo is going to be a rather fitting gift-to-self for this Lockhart born in August!

Images by Imm Living via Joss & Main

As frivolous as the object may appear, the notion of symbolically and ceremoniously saving money resonates with me. Perhaps it will help me put away pennies for the larger purchases I dare-to-dream of?

On Birthdays & WarLock Weddings

My, what a busy few weeks I've had. In addition to a successful dress fitting (it zipped!), a cake tasting, a Basque barbecue, a friend's beautiful wedding, and time in Spokane and Seattle with people who are so very dear to me.... I also went back to Gonzaga and got my MRS!

I've been calling myself an October bride, and that's still true- but when the Jesuit priest who'd advised us (and tolerated our antics) through our college years wasn't available for the Autumn wedding, we knew we'd have to make a special arrangement. So, on July 23rd, Adam and I had a sweet and simple ceremony at St. Michael's chapel at Gonzaga. We said our I-Dos with our immediate families there to support us, made a nostalgic visit to the Honors house, and had a marvelous dinner at the restaurant where we worked together. It was, in every way, personal and significant and absolutely beautiful.

We're thinking of this ceremony as one part of a larger event, so although we're square with the Church & State, I don't think we'll feel married until we've exchanged rings in front of friends and family on October 29th. We're not even making it "facebook official" yet! But, regardless of how married I feel, I know I've got the sweetest husband in the world. Today is my birthday, and he's given me a gift that I'll always keep near my heart.

I am, truly, the luckiest girl.

PS: These, and many more pictures are posted on facebook... enjoy!

Tablescaping for an Impromptu Occasion

Hello my friends... I'm back from my Summer adventures and (though absolutely exhausted) eager to make up for lost time on the blog- so you, lucky readers, get two posts today! First up, you can find me at Maggie Rose with a tablescape that makes the most of an inexpensive bouquet...

My arrangement of spider mums has been an appropriately festive touch, because we have much to celebrate in the WarLock household. For one thing, today is my birthday (not that 26 merits any particular excitement), and for another... Adam and are officially married! Between those two items, I have plenty to talk about in my second post today. Check back later for some pretty pictures of our little ceremony (the "Part One" of our wedding festivities) and the lovely gift my fellow gave me today.

Guest Post: Dark Romance

Today I'm thrilled to share a guest post by the lovely Andrea Despot, a gifted photographer and blogger who shares in so many of my interests and curiosities. How do I know we have so much in common? For starters, we love black lace! In fact, I'd bookmarked several of the images in this collection to use for a companion post to my dusty lace inspiration board. Absolutely uncanny- and proof that when Andrea makes her move to the Bay Area, we are sure to be fast friends!

When trying to figure out what to post here on One Must Shock the Bourgeois, I looked to my own folders and Pinterest boards for inspiration. Elizabeth and I both share a love for quirky, romantic things so I figured it would be easy for me to find something appropriate. Hence: black lace. It's a mixture of gothic inspiration and intricate romanticism and I have a feeling that Elizabeth would really appreciate it. Maybe she's even incorporated one or two of these ideas in her own wedding! 

Images (Clockwise from Top Left): Amy Claire via Pinterest, White Owl, BHLDN via Pinterest, James Moes via Pinterest

Images (Clockwise from Top Left):  Kate Forrester Calligraphy via Pinterest, Tamara Lichtenstein, Oh My Cavalier!, Family Chic via Pinterest

Image: Jamie Beck

Thank you, Andrea!

Tablescaping for... No Occasion at All!

Hello friends! I'm still bustling around Seattle... in fact, today I'm being bustled. I'm having my very first dress fitting! Cross your fingers that it zips, and head over to Maggie Rose to see my latest tablescape.

This week I'm using my collection of glass bottles to explore shapes and light, adding sparkle to my everyday table. Definitely a tip anyone could try at home!

Dare to Dream: Camera Bag

With the all of the excitement approaching this summer, I had just about forgotten that I had a birthday coming up (really, I think that post-25th, there just aren't any birthdays worth remembering). But then I came across Nicole's post on stylish camera bags at Making it Lovely... and I suppose I have to have a birthday to create a birthday wish list, right?

At first glance, Kelly Moore's Mimi Bag is an attractive handbag with handsome brass detailing. But it's so much more. It is magic. It is downright Mary Poppins.

A bag that can handle my hobbies and match my style? I guess that's worth turning 25 again. 

Girl About Town: Rockwood Bakery

With three projects on the table and a flurry of Summer events approaching, now is not a good time for a lapse in inspiration- but I'm feeling drained and dull nevertheless. I need a change of scenery. I need a slice of pie and a cappuccino from Rockwood Bakery. I wish I was back in Spokane!

The warm raspberry walls and sunlight filtering through ivy-covered windows, the pleasant ambiance of kitchen sounds and hushed chatter, the aromas of espresso and baked goods... it is my perfect place.

Do you have a favorite retreat?