MacKenzie-Childs: Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

 This was our first and very likely our last Rehearsal Dinner as traditionally, here in the USA, the groom's family hosts the RD; and this was for our youngest son's wedding. Our older son got married in Europe, and his in-laws hosted the Dinner.  (In fact, a total of 3 parties were held to celebrate J & B's wedding in Yr 2016). We were told to expect about 35 people.

We were encouraged to go the informal, stress-free route.  So, pizza, a couple of Filipino dishes (pancit, egg rolls), plus sweets were deemed adequate. I fancied it up with a few of my MacKenzie Childs pieces and voila, we had a blast!

MacKenzie Childs Three Tier Sweet Stand

MC Serving Platter

pc:  MC

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Post Wedding Party and Fortuitous Meetings

We could not attend J & S's destination wedding in Mexico last January.  Thankful that their parents gave a small party for the many others who also could not attend. Food was plentiful, home-cooked, and terrific.  Life's simple pleasures are the best!

tossed salad

newlyweds

pancit, eggrolls, meatballs

cake-pop cake

Anne came up to me at the party and asked how I know the groom's family. She was an MK in India during her youth. Her daughter and SIL are currently Christian missionaries in the PI. She has ties to Wheaton College via her childhood home's close proximity (1 block) to the college. So, of course, I got the address of the house, and had to take a picture.  I will soon send it to her via our mutual friend.  

Then, we were introduced to Nate.  He is the source of the pot rack pictured below which was in the kitchen.  I'd been looking for a pot rack, and this style would be PERFECT for us.  Hoping he is a man of his word as he'll try to get one for me at a very reasonable price. Can hardly wait.

Nate and my hubby

41.07.20.18

Unexpected Sights in Paris

Cemetery cats who looked sleek and content.  They hid in the  closest open (hopefully empty) grave  or hole whenever we approached. Eeeeeek!

Riding in an empty 1st-class car on  the  TGV .  Only one other person showed up -- and this was well into our 4 hour trip! Visual proof of Europe's lower birthrate among non-Muslims (2.2 versus 1.6 children per family)??

Too. Much. Ugly. Graffiti.

Beggars, sometimes whole families of them, on the most well-known  and supposedly most beautiful boulevard in the world,  Avenue des Champs-Élysées

 Cemetery built below street level (Montmartre Cemetery)

The overcrowding of said cemetery 
(20,000 burial plots over 27 acres)

At Père Lachaise Cemetery:  Fernand Arbelot,  musician and actor who died in 1990, 
wanted to gaze at his wife for eternity.  Oh, really?!! 

Delicious macarons at McDonald's.  Why not here in the USA?

Increasingly common: camouflaged soldiers, 3 at a time,
with their weapons  ready

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

I spoiled myself with macarons recently. Delish!  And the hole-in-the-wall place had the most beautiful round wall-mirror. I remember it having lots of circles. Which of these was it?

"Raindrops" mirror via Horchow.com @ $595

Cooper Classic Arden by lampsplus.com @ $258

"Mirrored Circles" by Horchow.com @ $150

eBay: Shopladder @ $ 539.96 

As the days went by and many many pictures of mirrors later, I felt more confused.  So much for my legendary memory, lol. I had to go back to the store and take a picture. In reality, this is what it looks like. The search for the exact mirror was on!

I found it sale-priced on the internet. It's a lot of bling for the buck; much better priced than the other mirrors above; and a longer-lasting investment than the macarons. Here it is on our very own wall.  I am pleased! 

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, 

how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

2 Corinthians 13:5

39.8.23.18