A Treasured Moment... Outstanding in the Field Dinner

Outstanding in the Field

A culinary masterpiece,

bringing farm to the table

by a traveling restaurant without walls

 Early this summer I shared with you an incredible concept, Outstanding in the Field.  I was captivated with the idea of a gourmet, fresh, wholesome, dinner set in the middle of a beautiful field.  I was recently able to attend one of their events, which made me the happiest girl in this whole little-big world!

It all started with this sign that led us down a twirly dirt road to a remote Colorado ranch.

These events are hosted all over the world on pristine ranches, farms, vineyards, and orchards.  The vintage Outstanding in the Field Bus drives scenic roads to each destination.  I was giddy when I spotted the bus!  It made me realize that I really was here at this moment, participating in this!

Their company is based out of California, the soul of creativity, expression, fun, freedom,  and beauty.

This particular event was hosted at Copper Bar Ranch, in breathtaking Edwards, Colorado.

Copper Bar Ranch's soil is old and rich.  It showcases the beauty of dirt and recognizes it for the treasure that it is for our nutrition.  They raise highland cattle.  It is an gorgeous ranch, in full operation.  We were able to tour the ranch before our dinner.  We listened to various farmers and ranchers teach us the value of pure produce and clean food.

As Chris and I toured the ranch we found a couple of classic, rustic farmhouse spots!

Farmin' peace

The ranch was a beautiful representation of our great state of Colorado!

cattle...

horses...

 

chickens... 

This is the founder, Jim Denevan .  He is absolutely fascinating and so kind!  It was a highlight and true pleasure to meet him. 

We also toured the gardens on the ranch.  The herb garden was simply enchanting,  made with an old red door for the entrance! 

   All the herbs were delightfully marked with old soda can aluminum signs. 

  

 

 

 

Outstanding in the Field is focused on savoring natural beauty and on appreciating and respecting the abundance that our earth provides us.  It celebrates local cuisine.  Our meal was prepared using local herbs from this garden and local ingredients from surrounding areas.

Entering the night with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres! 

Even our drinks were mixed using local fruits.

Cheers to beauty and to loving every detail in each moment we live! 

The line of chefs preparing our hors d'oeuvres.

 

 

Chris and I both agreed that our favorite taste of the evening were these edible flower topped appetizers! They were divine. 

A charming detail of Outstanding in the Field dinners is that each guest brings their own plate.  It is an artful way to celebrate diversity and create unique table setting beauty at the same time.   

 

For our plates, we brought plates from my first set of dishes Chris bought me after we married.

 The rustic Colorado atmosphere was heightened by worn leather cowboy boots, flirty dresses, and straw hats.

I mentioned previously that a breathtaking feature of these dinners are the long-stretched tables that line the serene fields. This is literally a restaurant without walls.

 Our tables were purposefully arranged in a meadow, where the fields meet the forest. 

 Pitchers of water, ready to poured into each and every glass, by a romantic, braided-hair beauty...

 Servers out in the fields...how awesome is that?!

(this photo is from Vail Daily News and is not mine)

Our chefs also prepared our dinner outdoors.

Dinner is served as the guests make their way over to the long table.

 Our meal was served family style, which added layers of warmth to our meal, and created the ideal setting to meet one another. Chris and I were in awe of the incredible people we met.  We soaked up the stories of life, the adventures, and lessons we learned while talking to these people! 

 

I'm SO excited to be here!

"Tonight's gonna be a good night..."

 Dinner is done...

Chris and I stayed at one of our TOP fav hotels that evening!

We snuggled up to one of the giagantic fireplaces on the balcony.

And we absorbed the comforts of living in a mountain home away from home.

The night was truly a moment of art, a piece of time that is forever tucked into my spirit.  I am looking forward to attending another event.  Moments like these are simple whispers from God, letting us know what a beautiful world this is. 





Thank you Outstanding in the Field for providing these experiences and for teaching us the value of local food and the appreciation of natural beauty.

Disclaimer: The government makes me say that I was compensated for this post.  However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

 
This post is linked to: Under the Table & Dreamin, It's a Blog Party, Think Pink Sundays LambAround, DIY Showoff,  Seasonal Sundays,  Met Monday, Making the World Cuter, A2Z Tips & Tutorials, Lettered Cottage How To, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On, Home Decor & Organizing, Outdoor Wednesday, Works for Me Wednesday, Blue Cricket Design, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Transformation Thursday, House of H, Tablescape Thursday, Show off Your Stuff, Strut Your Stuff, 36th Avenue,  Show and Share Day, Foodie Friday, Frugal Friday, I'm Lovin It, Tickled Pink, Friday Flair, Design Dazzle, T.G.I.F.,  Be Different Act Normal, Funky Junk Interiors, Weekend Wrap Up

Big Sunshine Summertime Mantel

 I recently added a GIANT painting to hang above our fireplace for the sweet summertime. It is from GoJumpInTheLake.   I have another painting of theirs too, which I shared in my mini pie post.  Their work has taken off and is seen in LL Bean Maine store, Design Sponge, and many other places.  I am VERY excited to have one of their paintings.  It is absolutely perfect and I'm a little giddy over it all. 

It is REALLY big, so it makes a special statement.
 

When I discovered this painting, I knew I had to have it! ...just like we need food and water...know what I mean?  I wanted it placed in the center of our home.  It encompasses how I feel about my boys (and my husband!) ;)  I wanted it to make a statement to my family, so every time they looked at it, they felt a big hug from me! Titus used to sing this song often as a little toddler and it was simply precious.  I will be sharing more about the inspiration behind why I wanted this painting in a future post. 

...oh yes you are! ;) 

I wanted my summertime mantel to be fresh, beachy, and peaceful!  I found these cool candles at Pottery Barn and tied sand dollars around them with twine.

A beach behind glass and a candle rest on an old dusty, summertime classic book.

 A friend of mine brought me Florida beach sand and shells a few years ago and I show it off every summer, wishing I could be on the beach!

Between my sand and shells is an old forever favorite photo of my boys! It leans under the giant sunshine photo, reminding us all of our sunshines in our family! I will be sharing more about this soon as I mentioned...

 Look at these adorable faces!

 I matched fresh flowers to the orange in their collars in the framed photo.

 These are gorgeous dahlias from the Farmer's Market! I try to get some every week when I go.  They are absolutely stunning.  Almost nothing makes me happier than fresh flowers.  The flower box is from BraggingBags on etsy.  They have a huge collection of worn wood treasures.  I have a complete wish list already made from that store!

 Our big summertime mantel demonstrates that the season of the sun is still strong in our home!  I believe August is the prime of summer!  The earth is adjusted to the warmth and gives deep sunshine, with still long days. 

(image via google search)

Oh summer, let me count the ways I love you:

the smell of sunscreen on our skin

riding our bikes through water puddles 

and watching the long line of water 

that our tires stamp onto the hot sidewalks

toes snuggled in the sand

the easy life of flip flops

the simplicity of life's pleasures

nostalgic fun in the water

icy treats

long, warm nights

(image via google search)

This is why I LOVE summertime!   

(now if only the bad grammar in this didn't drive me crazy) ;) 

my 2011 calendar showing seashell lovin'

 

  

That they may know from the 

rising of the sun, 

and from the west, 

that there is none besides the Lord.

-Isaiah 45:6

May The LORD bless you and keep you; 

may the LORD 

make his face shine on you 

and be gracious to you.

- Numbers 6:24-25

Disclaimer: The government makes me say that I was compensated for this post.  However, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

 
This post is linked to: Under the Table & Dreamin, It's a Blog Party, Think Pink Sundays LambAround, DIY Showoff,  Seasonal Sundays,  Met Monday, Making the World Cuter, A2Z Tips & Tutorials, Lettered Cottage How To, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On, Home Decor & Organizing, Outdoor Wednesday, Works for Me Wednesday, Blue Cricket Design, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Transformation Thursday, House of H, Tablescape Thursday, Show off Your Stuff, Strut Your Stuff, 36th Avenue,  Show and Share Day, Foodie Friday, Frugal Friday, I'm Lovin It, Tickled Pink, Friday Flair, Design Dazzle, T.G.I.F.,  Be Different Act Normal, Funky Junk Interiors, Weekend Wrap Up TLC SummerMantel Party

Dinner on a stick & SOLO Chalk cup GIVEAWAY!

I had an idea awhile ago to try to make every single part of a meal be served on a stick.  If a slice of cake can be magically put on a stick in the form of cake balls, then certainly everything else could too, right?

Last week I shared my Dad's Light up the Dark party.  The dinner I served for the party that night was a meal on sticks.  Here are the deTAILS:


Individual salads lined up PRETTY in a row instead of tossed in a bowl. 

Cherry tomatoes, lettuce, colored cauliflower, squash, zucchini, and cheese...with dressing for dipping.

And for the little people I served mini sandwiches on a stick. 




Bread on either side, lined with turkey, lettuce, tomato, and cheese in between.

For our buffet line, I used the new It's My SOLO cups that are being sold now!  Have you seen them?  They are too cool!  The cups are easily personalized to say whatever you want to say.  You simply peel off the label and scratch the writing straight onto the cup.  It looks like an adorable mini chalkboard label on the center of the cup.

You can obviously use these for EASY name labels on cups.  The chalkboard tags provide a convenient way to LABEL.  I used the SOLO cups to label the food on sticks in our dinner buffet line.  It created a uniquely AWESOME buffet!

Once the tag is peeled off, it's fun to scratch on words...

I will be GIVING AWAY a package of these fun cups at the end of this post!

To speed up the preparation of this dinner, I bought some of the meat already skewered on the sticks.  They were instantly ready for the grill.

 For some healthy sticks I made turkey meatballs with green onions and carrots.

 The complete line up looked so unique, very different than the typical buffet line.

Get Sauced!
At the end of the line, I set up a sauce bar with some delicious dippers!

- Pomegranate dressing for the salad skewers

- Paprika honey mustard

- Spicy ketchup (just add hot sauce to your ketchup)   

- Sweet BBQ

- Cilantro Yogurt dressing (a healthy dip made with plain greek yogurt and chopped cilantro)

 I found the potato crisp idea in the new book, On a Stick! 

Lightly seasoned, tossed in olive oil and put on the grill.  Summertime taters!

Our plates looked super fun and playful when they were loaded up with our dinner on a stick.  This meal is ideal for mid summer because it doesn't require a lot of kitchen time.  Food on sticks in a no hassle, laid back way to dine on a warm summertime night. 

OKAY! I'm offering a giveaway for one package of these It's My SOLO Cups to one lucky reader, compliments of Solo! 

There are so many creative ways to use these! I think letting kids draw pictures of their favorite things on them would be a cute way to personalize the cups as well...

 To easily enter, simply leave me a comment on this post! 

For extra entries (leave a separate comment for each entry):
1) follow Moore Minutes blog
2) tell me what CREATIVE ways you would use the My SOLO labeled cups.
3) Share this giveaway on facebook, twitter, or your blog.

*This giveaway is open to continental US citizens only.   I was given SOLO cups to review but opinions and thoughts are all my own.  This giveaway will close August 15th and the winner will be chosen using random.org. 

Disclaimer: The government makes me say that I was compensated for this post.  However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

 
This post is linked to: Under the Table & Dreamin, It's a Blog Party, Think Pink Sundays LambAround, DIY Showoff,  Seasonal Sundays,  Met Monday, Making the World Cuter, A2Z Tips & Tutorials, Lettered Cottage How To, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On, Home Decor & Organizing, Outdoor Wednesday, Works for Me Wednesday, Blue Cricket Design, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Transformation Thursday, House of H, Tablescape Thursday, Show off Your Stuff, Strut Your Stuff, 36th Avenue,  Show and Share Day, Foodie Friday, Frugal Friday, I'm Lovin It, Tickled Pink, Friday Flair, Design Dazzle, T.G.I.F.,  Be Different Act Normal, Funky Junk Interiors, Weekend Wrap Up Jennifer Rizzo Giveaway