The Oscars

Once again, I spent the past month or so trying to see as many Oscar nominated films as I could.  For getting such a late start this year, I think I did pretty good!  It was an excellent year for movies, and I can honestly say I have no idea who's going to win on Sunday - I can't wait to watch it!

I just saw Dallas Buyers Club last night!  A hard movie to watch, but so glad I did.  I will be shocked if both Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto don't win awards for this film - they were outstanding.  Such a great story about overcoming odds.

Intense!  I love movies like Captain Phillips that keep me on the edge of my seat, but since it's a true story, I know how it ends :)  I love Tom Hanks as the Captain and cannot believe he didn't get nominated.

So hard to watch, but I couldn't take my eyes away.  12 Years a Slave is a tragic true story that is hard to believe but so beautifully portrayed by the amazing cast.  They say this one could take home the Best Picture award, and I wouldn't be surprised at all.

Written by a man from Seattle, Nebraska is heartbreaking yet incredibly sweet.  Maddie and I came out of this movie agreeing it was depressing but we loved it.  Though completely in black and white, it feels so real and has you rooting for the stubborn old man who just believes what people tell him.

 

 

I just saw Philomena this week and loved it.  Judy Dench was so sweet and lovable in it and had me both laughing and crying throughout the movie.  And her relationship with the reporter?  Perfect.  A great true story that made me want to learn more about that bit of history.

 

 

I was prepared not to like Her, and ended up loving it.  The storyline {a man that falls in love with his computer operating system set in the not so distant future} seems so unbelievable, but this movie just gets it right and at the end, you truly believe in that love.  The colors, the acting, the story - everything about this movie was beautiful.

 

 

I loved everything about American Hustle - the costumes, the story, the hair.....J-Law is by far my favorite - I was laughing out loud at everything she says, and she makes her crazy character so lovable.   Definitely one of the most entertaining of the bunch.

 

 
Which ones are you rooting for this weekend?  I'm still hoping to see Gravity before Sunday night!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

TBT {Throwback Thursday}

A Throwback Thursday of Greenlake in the spring.  Yesterday almost felt like this.  Only 21 more days, right??? :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Tomato Mascarpone Pasta

Another day, another bowl of pasta, right?  But I promise - this one is really really good!!  It reminded me of a dish I had in Paris in this cozy little Italian restaurant - extra cheesy sauce with a slight kick.  I loved this one up and ate it all week long last week.  I'm definitely keeping this on rotation as we transition from winter to spring {that's happening soon, right?}.  Enjoy!

Tomato Mascarpone Pasta

Ingredients
12oz pasta {I used spaghetti}
1 tblsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tblsp tomato paste
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/3 cup dry red wine
1- 28oz can crushed tomatoes
1 tsp Italian seasoning {I didn't have this, so used a mixture of basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano}
Salt & Pepper
4oz mascarpone cheese
1 cup shaved Parmesan, divided
Chopped fresh basil

Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to directions and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil over medium high heat.  Add onion and saute until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes.  Add garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes.  Cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.  Add wine and scrape bottom of pan.  Once most of the moisture has bubbled off, add tomatoes and Italian seasoning.  Season with salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover, leaving lid cracked, about 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat.  Add mascarpone and 1/2 cup Parmesan and stir until melted.  Stir in pasta.  Serve with basil and more Parmesan.

Serves 4-6

adapted from Annie's Eats

Snow Day in the Valley

I spent a much needed weekend with the family in the valley, and when we woke up on Sunday morning, the hill was covered in white.  The snow kept falling as we had our morning coffee, and it didn't stop the entire day.  It was a bit unexpected {when snow falls here, it hardly ever sticks and stays}, so I had to pop outside for a bit to take some pretty snow pics {the top is my fave}.  What is it about the white, soft snow that is so serene and calming?  Whatever it was, it worked, and the weekend ended much better than it started :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{snow cows}

 {sharing water}

 {snowy morning coffee}

 {kitty naps}

 {kitty watching the snow on his pillow pedestal}

{thanks dad}

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Weekend

Happy Friday!  For a short week, this one sure felt long, huh?  I feel like I've spent the entire week feeling tired, frustrated, and very emotional.  However, a wise friend told me I need to start thinking positive and happy thoughts, so that's exactly what I plan on doing this weekend.  To start, here's a picture from a trip to Santa Monica with Suze and Erika that makes me super happy from several years ago.  Maybe another warm weather vacation is in order?  Hmmm...... :)

Here's to a happy weekend!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Mappin' It {art}

I've been cautious about buying art for my new home, as I want everything I purchase to be something I love.  I also don't have a ton of money to spend on it :)  Lately, I've been searching Etsy for affordable finds to hang up around the house, and have especially been enamored with maps.  I love that they tell a story of where you live, where you've been, or where you dream of going.  I especially love the modern and affordable prints by CartoCreative that I discovered a few months back, and am anxious to purchase one {or two} for my home.  My only problem?  Which to choose!  Manhattan?  Paris?  Reykjavik?  Barcelona?  All cities I love and adore.  Which would you chose?

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Slow Cooker Chili

I've been looking for a delicious recipe for chili since my last attempt was less than stellar.  Since I'm a sucker for a good slow cooker meal, I decided it was time to try Cooking Classy's Slow Cooker Chili, a recipe I've been eying for awhile.  It lived up to all of my expectations - flavor, texture, and just a little kick - and I ate it all up in no time.  It's by no means super fancy or elaborate, but if you're looking for an easy, flavorful chili, look no further!

Slow Cooker Chili

Ingredients
1 tblsp olive oil
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 - 14.5oz cans diced tomatoes with green chilies
3 - 8oz cans tomato sauce
2 1/2 tblsp chili powder
1 tblsp cumin
1 tblsp paprika
2 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp coriander
salt & pepper
2 - 15oz cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Optional Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onion, tortilla chips, cornbread, etc.

Instructions
1. Heat oil over medium-high heat.  Add ground beef, crumble, and stir until browned.  Drain most fat, leaving several tablespoons.
2.  Add beef {with leftover fat} to crockpot.  Add onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cocoa powder, sugar, coriander, salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Add kidney beans and allow to cook through, about 15 minutes.  Serve warm with desired toppings.

Serves 6-7
 
adapted from Cooking Classy

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

a single gal's valentine's day - pad thai and cheap champagne

 valentine treats at the office

 patio planning

 a trip to the recycling plant in the valley

prepping the kitchen for painting {after photos to come soon!}

How was your weekend?

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!!  I hope no matter where you are or who you're with, you're doing something you love - be it a romantic dinner out {or in}, on a roadtrip with girlfriends, or eating Thai food, drinking champagne, and watching Netflix alone {heck yeah!}.  May you feel loved and happy on this silly and sweet day :)

Happy {long} Weekend!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Valentine Craft Night

A few weeks ago, Merith had us over to make Valentine's, drink wine, and watch chick flicks.  No, I'm not the most artistic person, but with a little liquid courage, I made a handful of cards that were decent enought to send out.  My favorite idea?  I brought several shades of lipstick and kissed the paper several times to make a "lip print".  Not perfect, but I liked how it turned out :)  Are you sending out Valentine's this year?  Thanks for hosting, Mer - I love things like this!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Skinny Slow Cooker Burrito Bowls

A week or so ago I was feeling super unhealthy.  I was eating a ton of  "celebratory" foods in honor of the Seahawks {you know you were too} and I felt like I needed to take a step back and make something healthy {that didn't just consist of lettuce and tomatoes}.  While perusing Pinterest for healthy recipes {do you guys use this for recipes?  Call me old fashioned, but I typically just look at a cookbook but thought I'd branch out} I stumbled upon these Skinny Slow Cooker Burrito Bowls, combining two of my favorite things - my slow cooker and Mexican food.  These were a cinch to put together in the morning before work, and when I got home the house smelled absolutely delicious.  I ate the leftovers for several days after, and they just kept getting better and better as the week progressed.  You can top these any way you want, and even put them in tortillas for a bit more substance.  I'll definitely be checking out this Pinterest thing again real soon for some more yummy meals :)


Skinny Slow Cooker Burrito Bowls

Ingredients
1/2 lb dried pinto beans
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup white onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tblsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt

Toppings
Shredded lettuce
Grated Cheese
Low Fat Sour Cream
Chopped green onion
Chopped tomatoes
Avocado

Instructions
1. The night before, soak beans in water overnight.
2.  In the morning, drain beans and add to slow cooker.  Add chicken, water, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt.  Stir.
3. Cook on low for 9 hours.  Do not open lid.
4. After cooking, shred chicken with two forks in slow cooker.  Spoon mixture into bowls and top with desired toppings.

Serves 4-5

adapted from the magical slow cooker

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Seahawks Championship Parade

Last Wednesday was the Seahawks Superbowl Championship Parade, and it was absolutely amazing.  Brother came over from Wenatchee to witness the festivities and by 9:30 in the morning we were out with the masses in below freezing temps, waiting for the {late} start time to cheer on our Hawks.  As the crowds grew larger {700,000? really?!?!} and the day got colder, we finally caught a glimpse of Beast Mode {aka, Marshawn Lynch} riding on the front of a Duck boat, throwing Skittles at the crowd and dancing around with a cigar hanging out of his hat.  There was no better way to start this insane parade :)  After that, we got to see all of the guys - Russell, Pete, Shermie, Hauschka, Malcolm, and crew - and as each passed by looking more and more like a kid on Christmas morning than a professional athlete, I realized just how excited these guys are to be bringing the championship home to Seattle.  It still makes me tear up a bit to think about this amazing, once in a lifetime experience that I got to witness with nearly a million of my nearest and dearest.  We definitely know how to throw a party here in Seattle :)

 bundled up

 even tom douglas came out to cheer on the guys

 yes we do!

 tara and owen

 how awesome are the seattle pd hats?

 beast mode

 russell!  {this was actually a lombardi trophy made of foil that he grabbed from a fan}

 blitz and john

 hey pete!

 even the parking garages were lined with people

 hauschka

 mvp!

 baldwin up front and tate holding the flag

 12's

 sherman!

It really was the best day :)  Thanks again, Hawks, for making this such an amazing winter!  

xoxo,
stephanie marie