First Dinner Party

This isn't a typical post for me! Usually I only post events that I have planned or coordinated, but last night David and I hosted our first little dinner party since we've been in Rochester. It was so much fun I decided to show a few of the details.

There are some great running trails behind our house with the most amazing wild flowers. I thought that this would be the perfect excuse to pick some! I'm not sure if you are actually allowed to pick these flowers, so I think my punishment was itching the whole way home!



I just love all the vibrant colors, but I was a little bummed that the started to get droopy so quickly. But, what can you do? They served the purpose for the evening though, and it sure was fun picking them!

I wish I had a pic of the app I made because that did turn out perfectly. It was brie inside an amazingly, golden-brown puff pastry with jalapeno jelly on top! So easy and one of my favs. It was also fun to surprise one of our guests with his favorite beer...


And it brought back some great Kansas City memories while serving it (it's brewed in KC)!

Now David was in charge of the main course, his famous burgers, so I do have to give him credit for those!

Finally, I have to show off the apple pie I made! It's the Pioneer Women's Scrumptious Apple Pie, and you can find the recipe here. This is probably a better fall or winter-ish pie, but dessert is dessert so I figured I couldn't go wrong! To save myself time I didn't make the crust, but if you're looking for a good crust recipe her's is amazing.


We had a great time, and I have to say the couple that came over had the most adorable little girls. If I had pics of them, they'd be up here as favorites too!

A Little "Flair"

I apologize that it's been awhile since my last post. My husband and I were wrapped up in a big move...to Minnesota.

But I'd like to share a long-standing wedding inspiration and a little bit more about me. Something I have always LOVED are peacock feathers (much to my mother-in-laws disliking)! Don't you feel like you should enjoy a nice bold glass of red wine while looking at these fine feathers?!


To me these gorgeous feathers scream elegant, regal, bold and of course are stunning just like the bride should be! I also believe they can symbolize a Godly marriage, in which they are grand, glorious, exalted and majestic.

So, if you're looking for a bold or vintage inspiration, consider the peacock feather.

Below are a few items I found on Etsy.com that are making me re-plan my wedding as I type.




Including a real peacock feather with your save the date is an interesting and lively way to set the tone for your guests.


A hair piece for your bridesmaids is the perfect balance between staying simple and sweet yourself but infusing this sassy theme.



Less dramatic and informal invitation.


Well I'm definitely going to need one of these stampers!


And this creme colored, bleached peacock feather is a great way of playing with the vision, but toning it down a notch. I also love that this designer has added the texture of recycled paper.


China from Unique Tabletop Rentals (Style Me Pretty).



Beautiful, simple cake from Flora's Divine Cakes.


Bouquet by Craig Sole Design (Style Me Pretty).

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A few fast facts on the peacock:

• The male is actually called a peacock, and the female is technically called a peahen but can be still be called a "peacock" or "female peacock."
• The peacock is the national bird of India...jealous!
• The tail feathers are called a "train"...ironic?
• And the males flair their feathers to get the females attention. Worked for me!