Ladies Who Brunch

Sunday morning, Celene invited Zara and I over for brunch and catch up with the gals.  We arrived at her home on Mercer Island to find her and her lovely mom slaving away in the kitchen for an epic feast.  While we sipped mimosas and chatted with 18 month old Mena, dish after dish of gorgeous food was brought to the table for the 4 of us to enjoy.  We're talking french toast, maple glazed bacon, citrus & avocado salad, pastries, and mini egg and hashbrown baskets that were all just as good as they looked.  It was a leisurely afternoon spent with some great girlfriends, catching up after way too long.  I am so happy these girls are in my life :)

after one too many mimosas..... ;)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Weekend

How was your weekend?  Mine was equal parts fun, relaxing, and productive.  I got to see some good friends, eat some good food, clean the house, and spend some time just vegging on the couch.  That's what weekends are for, right?  I picked up these pretty pink tulips to brighten up my living room - aren't fresh flowers the best?  A few other highlights:

 friday lunch from dahlia bakery

walking out my front door sunday morning and seeing this guy waiting for me :)

Hope you had a great weekend!  Happy Monday! :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Friday

Happy Friday!  How great was that sunshine yesterday?  Though I've spent most of the week huddled up at my desk {still learning the ins and outs of grants!}, I'm hoping this weekend will afford me a little time in the garden, along with catching up with several groups of friends I hardly ever see anymore.  Here's to a happy weekend! :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

pic from the great wheel via diana camera

Damn The Weather

No, this isn't a post about the rain the past few days {but really??}.  Damn the Weather is the hot new bar in Pioneer Square that I've been dying to try, so earlier this week I met up with David there for an early happy hour.  The space is exactly what you'd expect from an old building in the neighborhood - exposed brick, high ceilings, old lighting, and a super cool vibe.  We only had drinks {I agreed with our bartender that I ordered probably the best rosé of my life} but I am anxious to go back and try the amazing looking caesar salad sandwich.  Thought it's not the easiest place for people to get to {but just a few stops down the light rail from work for me!} I can't wait to stop by here for happy hour when the weather gets a bit nicer on my way to a Mariner's game.  Total happiness :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Shrimp, Tomato, & Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce

You guys - I'm missing pasta.  Not that I haven't had some really good substitutes {think lots of salads, stir fry, and one delicious tuna melt I must tell you about} but there's really nothing better to come home to than a big bowl of noodles {and wine, of course}.  Since I'm counting the days until I get to go to my favorite neighborhood restaurant again next week, I wanted to share with you a quick and easy dish I whipped up this past winter when I was still eating bowls like this.  Do yourself a favor - eat some pasta for me this week :)

Shrimp, Tomato, & Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce

Ingredients
1 lb fresh shrimp
5 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped into large cubes
1 cup spinach
5 garlic cloves, minced
3-4 tblsp butter
1 tblsp olive oil
1/4 lemon
salt & pepper
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
paprika
10 oz fettuccine or linguine
1/2 cup grated parmesan

Instructions
1. Heat large skillet on medium high.  Add 1 tblsp butter & 1 tblsp olive oil and melt.  Add shrimp and 1/2 the garlic.  Cook until shrimp are pink, sprinkling with paprika, salt, & pepper.
2.  Add tomatoes, spinach, & remaining garlic to the skillet.  Add crushed red pepper and mix together until spinach is wilted.  Remove from heat.
3.  Cook pasta according to directions.  Add to skillet with shrimp and 1 to 2 more tblsp butter.  Add lemon juice and season with salt & pepper as needed.  Heat through.
4.  Serve topped with Parmesan.

Serves 4

adapted from Julia's Album

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Roaming the Garden {Flowering Quince}

While putting away the trash bins after pick up {ah, so glamorous}, I noticed that the weeds have been popping up at record speed in my garden.  I think they're pretty in love with this rain we've been having.  However, I noticed that the Flowering Quince that sits right under my bedroom window has also been loving this rain.  I absolutely adore the poppy-like red color of these flowers, and that they're kind of hidden behind some bright green leaves.  I love these little signs of spring {ok,minus the weeds} :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The London Plane

Sunday morning, Erika and I met up for a shopping date downtown, but our real goal was a delicious brunch.  Mission accomplished!  At Erika's suggestion, we headed to The London Plane, one of the many new spots in Pioneer Square that is helping to revitalize the area.  The restaurant is gorgeous, and nestled right in the middle of a carefully curated shop and to go counter, along with some of the most gorgeous {and ok, expensive} fresh flowers.  This isn't your typical brunch place {no breakfast burritos or huge omelettes} but the fresh and homegrown food was outstanding.  We each ordered the warm biscuit with creme fraiche and pear preserves {a-maz-ing} and I paired mine with hot cereal with poached pears {Erika had homemade granola}.  It was a filling and satisfying breakfast, but not in the way where you couldn't walk out of the restaurant afterwards.  I'm sensing a new favorite weekend spot - but always make sure to make a reservation {that place was packed}!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Spring!

Happy First Day of Spring!  Though we've had an incredibly mild winter here in Seattle {sorry everywhere else}, I'm still excited for even warmer weather, longer days, and flowers blooming everywhere.  I hope you have a beautiful spring weekend - I think I'll go get some fresh flowers for the house :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Black Bean & Avocado Loaded Baked Potatoes

 

You guys - these potatoes are gooooood.  I was perusing Pinterest recently {my favorite "I'm bored" hobby} and came across the beautiful pictures on Flourishing Foodie of these Black Bean & Avocado Loaded Baked Potatoes.  The seemed insanely easy {and cheap!} so I loaded up the grocery cart and got to work.  They are so easily customizable {I think adding feta would be divine} and made great leftovers the next day for lunch.  I plan on making this one all year round and suggest you do the same :)

Black Bean & Avocado Loaded Baked Potatoes

Ingredients
2 baking potatoes
1 tblsp oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1- 15oz can black beans, rinsed & drained
1/2 cup frozen corn
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
1/2 cup water
salt & pepper
hot sauce {optional}
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup sour cream
1 green onion, chopped

Instructions
1. Scrub potatoes, cut a slit down the middle {lengthwise}, wrap in tin foil, and bake at 375 for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until soft to squeeze.
2. In a large frying pan, fry garlic and black beans on low heat for a few minutes.  Add corn, peppers, and water and simmer until water has evaporated.  Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce, if desired.
3. Cut open potatoes, sprinkle with cheese, top with black bean mixture, avocado, sour cream, and onions.

Serves 2

adapted from flourishing foodie

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Mulleady's Irish Pub

This weekend I had to call in the big guns {mom & dad} for a few home issues.  Though it poured all day long on Sunday, we decided to venture out a few blocks to Mulleady's Irish Pub for lunch.  Also fitting since it was St. Paddy's Day weekend, I have actually only been to this neighborhood pub for drinks a few times since moving in.  We escaped the rain for an incredibly delicious lunch - my grilled cheese with Beecher's and apples totally hit the spot - and it was the perfect place to fill up and dry off.  Thanks to my awesome parents for helping out, once again, and trying out another new place in the 'hood :)  You're the best!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

first pic via urbanspoon

Luck o' the Irish

Whether you're drinking a green beer with your corned beef and cabbage, wearing the brightest green sweater you have {raising hand}, or just sitting at home eating Thai and contemplating another glass of wine {that's me again!}, I hope you have a wonderful and safe St. Patrick's Day :)

Top o' the mornin' to ya!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Jumpin' in Puddles

This weekend was definitely a doozy, right?  Yesterday was literally pouring all day long!  Luckily, I had my brand new, pretty, shiny, black Hunter boots to get me through the day.  I've had my old green pair for years, but after working in the garden all spring and summer last year, they got a few holes and were a little worse for the wear, so I decided it was high time to get myself a new pair {I live in Seattle, after all - rain boots are essential}.  After much back and forth, I decided on the glossy black, as they look a little nicer for walking to work in the morning - and maybe keeping on throughout the day.  If this weekend is any indication, they may be getting a lot more wear in the upcoming weeks :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Spring Training {2009}

This past weekend, Mom and Dad headed down to Arizona for Mariner's Spring Training.  Seeing the pictures and hearing their stories made me think about our trip down there 6 {!} years ago with the family.  What a great way to spend a winter weekend, right?  I'm thinking I may need to take another trip down there soon :)

griffey!

 

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Freezer Burritos

Two of my New Year's Resolutions were to be more organized and eat fresher, so in an effort to make lunches {and busy night dinners} a little more convenient but healthy, I decided to stock the freezer with some Freezer Burritos.  One Sunday afternoon a few months back I cooked up some rice and chicken, picked up my favorite burrito fillings, and set up a sort of burrito rolling station in my kitchen.  I loosely followed this recipe from Shutterbean and used refried beans, shredded chicken, black beans, jarred salsa, cheese, cilantro, her mexican rice, lime juice, and sour cream.  Basically, you just warm the tortillas so they're pliable {I'd do about 3 at a time} then layer all of your ingredients in the middle.  You wrap them up {just like at Chipotle!}, wrap each individual burrito in foil, label, and voila!  Instant freezer burritos.  I made a few just bean and veggie burritos {to be honest, I ran out of chicken}, and I have slowly but surely been eating up my stash.  It's been so nice having something quick and easy on hand to grab for meals - something that I know exactly what is in it.  If you have a few hours this weekend, I'd highly recommend making a batch of these to stuff in the freezer.  I think I'm about due for round 2!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Roaming the Garden {Forsythia}

It's funny - this Forsythia sits right outside my bedroom window, yet I don't remember noticing it once last year.  I guess that's what happens when a yard like this is brand new to you - there's just so much to take in that I'll probably be surprised with "new" things that are popping up year after year.  I really do love this place :)  Hello, Spring!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Weekend {in pictures}

{a lone flower on the shed}

 {ladies brunch}

 {sweet calvin}

 {my magnolia in full bloom}

{can you spot charlie?  he sneaks up on me every time}

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Will You Accept This Rose?

Are you watching this season of The Bachelor?  Once again, I am ridiculously obsessed.  Even though I think Bachelor Chris is pretty boring {and can't articulate a feeling to save his life} and my favorite went home last week {Kaitlyn for Bachelorette!} I cannot wait to see what happens in the finale tonight.  I'm rooting for Whitney, but something about Becca clearly draws Chris in.  It's going to be a nail-biter!  So who do you think it will be?

Whitney.....

 ....or Becca?

Man, I love bad tv :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Presents

I never shared with you the best Christmas present ever!  For Christmas this year, all I had asked for for months was an iPad.  When Black Friday deals rolled around, and mom and dad came home with a receipt that did not include an iPad {yes, I'm 30 and was snooping at the receipts - they left them out on the kitchen counter!} I was pretty sure that it just wasn't in the cards this year.  But Christmas morning, I awake to a big surprise with my perfect little tablet waiting for me under the tree.  These past few months, it's proved invaluable for looking up recipes while cooking, reading blogs while sitting on the couch, and checking out shows and youtube clips in bed.  My iPad basically never leaves my side now, and I can sadly say that life is a little bit better with it around :)

Thanks Mom & Dad!  Now, if only I could find a real case for it {yes, I still carry it around in the original box}.

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Home Improvement {Closet Knobs}

Here's a super quick and easy DIY that I did a few weeks ago that instantly made my bedroom feel a little more like me.  It only took me a year to realize that I could switch out the ugly wooden knobs on my bedroom closet for something prettier {sometimes I forget I own this house and don't have to ask permission to make changes :)}.  I picked up these pretty knobs at Anthropologie for about $8 each and after a lot of twisting, prying, and using muscles I didn't know I had {the originals had been painted onto the closet doors -  I actually had to use a pipe wrench to get one of them off!} I was able to quickly replace those ugly wooden ones with these vintage-inspired and much more attractive knobs.  It's a quick fix, and maybe a little obvious, but it instantly made a difference.  What's next?!?! :)

 the old

xoxo,

stephanie marie