Girls Weekend

Soooooooooooo excited to spend the weekend in San Diego with these amazing ladies {and several others} as we celebrate Susy gettin' hitched.  I have a feeling it's going to be a pretty fabulous weekend :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Roaming the Garden {Dogwood}

The other day, I was literally roaming the garden when I glanced up and saw that the tree I thought was dead, the tree I didn't possibly believe {as dad kept telling me} was a dogwood, all of the sudden had pretty pink flowers blooming all around the top of it.  I instantly started smiling, happy to know that the thing that takes up a huge portion of my front yard was in fact alive and well - and so pretty!  The pictures are hard to get, as most of the flowers are way up high {taller than the house} but I was able to snap a few to show you that there are indeed flowers way up there.  I take this as a testament to how much I've cared for this little garden of mine - last year there were no flowers on this guy and this year it's out in full force.  I love it here :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Bruce's Big Day

Friday night was so fun - and so random :)  I was invited over to my friend Rachelle's house for a ladies night - and to watch Bruce Jenner's big interview.  We were all tasked with bringing appetizers and wine {someone even brought Bruce-chetta - clever!}, and after a bit of socializing and drinking, all 20 or so of us huddled around the tv to watch the epic two hour interview.  While it wasn't anything truly shocking {yes, he's becoming a woman}, it really was a fascinating and emotional interview, and we were all glued to our seats for the entire two hours.  It was such a great time getting to hang out with a new group of ladies, and I'm pretty sure we all second the cake's message - Congratulations Bruce! :)

 announcing our name choices for female Bruce

such a fun group of girls!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday David!

Happy {late} birthday my dear sweet David!  I couldn't get through my days without our constant instant messaging, our very intelligent opinions on all things relevant in the world, and knowing that a Chupacolivers night is always right around the corner.  Also, I'm pretty sure another BNE is in our not so distant future :)  Now please, come home from Bostonia.  Thanks!  Love ya :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy BIrthday Stef!

Happy Happy Birthday to my fabulous friend Stefanie!  Through good times and bad, I can always count on you for some great advice, lots of laughs, and a crazy dance party :)  I know this past year has been your absolute best and I cannot wait to see what 31 has in store for you.  Celebrations at Delancey soon! :)  Love ya!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Showering Baby Novak

Last Saturday, a group of us ladies got together to celebrate the so soon arrival of Baby Girl Novak.  Merith kindly offered up her gorgeous {and sunny!} backyard, and along with Maddie and Autumn, we helped put together something we hoped would be super special for our future "niece".  With a small group, we had plenty of time to sip mimosas, eat a leisurely brunch, and send all of our love to Erika's ever growing bump.  It was one of the most relaxed and fun baby showers I've been to - this little one is already so loved by all of her aunties :)

 we all wrote our wishes for baby...

 ...and wrote funny notes on diapers for late night changes

 mimosa bar

 merith's backyard was the perfect setting

 gifts!

 erika's been obsessed with root beer lately, so we had a root beer float bar!

 the sweetest personalized party favors from seattle seed co

 the grandmas

 a lovely group of ladies

Congrats Erika!  I can't wait to meet the little one!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Six Seven

Listening to the rain on my window right now, it's hard to imagine that on Monday it was mid-70's and I was walking around downtown in flip flops and no jacket.  True story.  With the weather being as gorgeous as it was, Erika had the good sense to suggest us girls head down to the waterfront for Seattle Restaurant Week at Six Seven Restaurant at the Edgewater Hotel.  Pretty great idea :)  Our reservation was right at sunset {how romantic} and after having to wait a little while, the hostess escorted us to our table right next to the window where we had a clear view of the water, the boats, and the most beautiful spring day.  We all enjoyed a leisurely dinner {delicious steaks!} along with girl talk as we watched the sun set into the water.  I can't believe I've lived in this city for over 8 years and have never been to this quintessential Seattle place, but I am definitely putting it on my  happy hour list for summertime.  I love when last minute plans work out so perfectly!

 the view from our table

 the ladies

our silhouettes with the sunset, which I kind of love :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Roaming the Garden {Climbing Roses}

When you first look at my shed, it looks like an overgrown chia pet.  But up close, it's actually a gorgeous climbing rose with the tiniest yellow flowers scattered about.  While this guy could use some major pruning {pretty sure the shed is about to collapse due to the weight}, I think we can wait until these happy flowers are gone for the season.  The good/bad news?  It will all grow right back :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Swan Lake

A few months ago, Maddie asked if I wanted to join her at PNB's new production of Swan Lake.  I of course said yes {I can never turn down the ballet}, so last week, we met up for a quick dinner at Ten Mercer {just so-so} then walked over to McCaw Hall for the show.  We were 4th row {not too shabby!} - close enough to see the dancers sweat and hear my favorite sound in the world, pointe shoes slamming on the floor.  While this show is extremely long {3 hours!}, I was mesmerized by the dancers and the music.  It's such a gorgeous ballet, and this being my 3rd time seeing it {last time here} I can say that it doesn't disappoint - there's a reason it's the most famous ballet in the world :)  After the show, I came across this fun clip of the PNB dancers 2 years ago rehearsing the famous Pas de Quatre.  The precision, the focus, and the exhaustion at the end - I absolutely love it :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Weekend!

Happy Friday!  What are you up to this weekend?  I'm helping to celebrate one of my besties having a baby, and hopefully spending ample time in the predicted sunshine.  My garden is definitely in love with this weather {my first rhodie bloom above!}, so I'm pretty certain my outdoor time will be spent pulling weeds, trimming ivy, and discovering new plants I've never even noticed.  Oh, and hanging out with Charlie :)

Have a great one!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Salsa All'Amatriciana

Last week I was craving pasta {duh} and decided to go with something super simple and tasty.  Of course, I headed to my Giada cookbooks and settled on Everyday Italian, which seemed kinda obvious.  I flipped through the plethora of sauces and came to Salsa All'Amatriciana, of which I already possessed almost all of the ingredients.  It was simple to whip up on a night where I came home a little bit late, and served as a great topping for whatever leftover noodles I had to cook up each night that week.  It's not too fancy, but that's probably what I like most about it.  Bacon in pasta?  I'm in :)

Salsa All'Amatriciana

Ingredients
2 tblsp olive oil
6 oz pancetta or bacon, sliced
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1 - 28oz can tomato puree
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions
1.  In a large, heavy pot, heat oil over medium.  Add pancetta or bacon and saute until golden brown, about 8 minutes.  Add onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.  Add garlic and red pepper flakes and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.  
2.  Stir in tomato puree and salt and pepper.  Simmer uncovered, over medium low heat until sauce thickens and flavors blend, about 15 minutes.  
3.  Stir in cheese.  Season with salt and pepper as desired.  Serve over pasta.

Serves 4

adapted from Everyday Italian

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Homemade {Trivets}

About a month ago, David and I were perusing Crate & Barrel when I came across this basket full of wooden trivets for sale.  Knowing my awesomely handy Dad could make something similar {and better - remember this?}, I quickly snapped a pic and sent it on.  Cut to Easter and Dad hands me a handmade, perfectly sized trivet - a one of a kind :)  I love how it sits up a little higher than the original, and the 8x8 size fits perfectly in my kitchen drawer.  Oh, and it's perfect for a freshly baked pie to sit on :)  Get your orders in now, folks!

Thanks Dad!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Pizza Night

Last night, us ladies ventured up to Capital Hill for dinner at Josh's.  Though he's been back in town for a few months now, he's finally settled and was ready to have us over to see his place.  It was a stormy Seattle night, so we opted to stay in and drink champagne, make homemade pizza, and listen to the best Pandora station ever {Whitney Houston "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"}.  With this crowd, we never lack for things to talk about and ways to make each other laugh, and though we sent a few pics to Susannah to make her 'jealous', we seriously cannot wait until she's back to join us so we have the whole crew back together again.  I definitely need more nights like this in my life :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Roaming the Garden {One Single Tulip}

On Friday I showed you the gorgeous tulip fields up in my hometown, but my own tulip display was a little disappointing.  Though my yard is home to practically any plant you can name, I only had 1 single tulip bloom this year.  It was sure a pretty color and stood out amongst it's green surroundings, but it looked sad :(  I'm hoping next year to plant a few more to give my garden that real northwest feel, but for now, I've got this little guy to take care of :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Tulip Fields

Last weekend, I convinced Mom & Dad to take a drive out to the tulip fields after dinner.  The crowds were heading home, and it was the perfect time to hop out of the car and take a few pics while the parents sat in the car waiting patiently and watching the sunset.  I don't think I'll ever tire of these gorgeous flowers - they epitomize "home" :)

Happy Friday!

xoxo,
stephanie marie