Poor Nina

This sweet little girl has been staying with me this week while her daddy is away for work, but Tuesday night I came home to find some very unpleasant presents she left on the floor and an embarrassed Nina.  I knew that she must be really sick since she never does that, so I stayed home with her yesterday {to make sure her and my rugs were ok}.  Seeing her not feeling well and whiny all day just breaks my heart, but we had lots of snuggles and she didn't move from the above position almost all day.  Since I'm not feeling 100% either {stupid head cold} it was nice to have a relaxing work from home day with my favorite girl and I can happily report there have been no more accidents!  I think we're on the mend :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Baked Chicken Parmesan

A few weeks back I was craving something simple and filling and decided that Chicken Parmesan would hit the spot.  After checking out several of my favorite websites I settled on Skinnytaste's Baked Chicken Parmesan cuz if I was going to eat something indulgent, I should at least try to make it somewhat healthy.  I cut the recipe in half and using two big chicken breasts cut in half it was so quick and easy to put together.  I used Trader Joe's Arrabiata sauce instead of Marinara which gave it a little more flavor and I served my chicken over some spaghetti noodles topped with shaved Parmesan, a little olive oil, and black pepper.  This is so easy to put together with pantry staples for a weeknight meal and I know it will be on heavy rotation as some yummy comfort food for these winter nights that just don't want to end.

Baked Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients
4 chicken breasts, sliced in half length-wise to make 8
3/4 cups seasoned breadcrumbs {I used regular breadcrumbs and added Italian seasoning}
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tblsp butter, melted
3/4 cup reduced fat mozzarella {or 8 slices from one ball of mozzarella}
1 cup marinara or other red sauce
Basil for topping

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 450.  Spray large baking sheet lightly with cooking oil.
2. Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan in bowl.  With melted butter, lightly brush onto chicken then dip both sides in breadcrumb mixture.  Place on baking sheet and repeat with remaining chicken.
3. Bake chicken for about 25 minutes.
4. Remove from oven.  Top each piece of chicken evenly with marinara and cheese.
5. Bake 5 more minutes or until cheese is melted.  Top with basil and serve over whole wheat noodles or steamed veggies.

Serves 4

adapted from skinnytaste

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Oscar Fashion

The Oscars were alright this year- the highlights were definitely Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper singing Shallow {oh. my. god} and Olivia Colman's acceptance speech {hilarious!} - but the real reason we all tune in is for the fashion, right?  I loved all the pink and all the glam {how happy and colorful are these pics?}, so without further ado, here are some of my faves from Sunday night.

Gemma Chan

 Lady Gaga

 Constance Wu

 Brie Larson

 Helen Mirren

Sarah Paulson

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Farewell to Uncle Ed

This past weekend we said a final farewell to Uncle Ed and though it was really hard and sad, it was also really nice to spend time with family and friends and hear all the wonderful stories from those who knew him {and trust me, there were a lot of those friends - the church was packed with standing room only}.  Uncle Ed was such a special and loved man and his quiet presence and gentle teasing will be missed by all.  I feel so lucky I was able to call him family and know him for so many years, and though I miss him dearly I know he's in a better place.  Rest in Peace, Uncle Ed.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Oscar Weekend

Though it all happened in the last few weeks, I managed to see 6 of the 8 nominated movies for this weekend's Oscars.  While I was a little underwhelmed by this year's group, I nonetheless found something to like in all of them and am anxious to see who comes away a winner on Sunday night.

Grab your tissues!  I had been wanting to see A Star is Born for months but just got around to it last night.  The music is fabulous {try getting Shallow out of your head - I dare you} and while the story is a bit predictable, it's nonetheless beautifully performed and has you rooting for Ally and Jack the entire time.  Lady Gaga is superb and that voice is perfection.

We watched Bohemian Rhapsody earlier this week and it was definitely one of the most entertaining of the bunch.  While it was a bit surface level and didn't get as deep into Freddie Mercury's personal life as I would've liked, the story of Queen and the amazing music kept you rockin' along the entire time.  Like Susannah said, the movie was fine but Queen was AWESOME.  

Blackkklansman was one of my favorites of the year, based on a true story of a black police officer who successfully infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970's.  The film tackles important and relevant issues with humor and wit and leaves you wondering "did that really happen??"  I really did love this one and John David Washington is one of my new faves.

I love superhero movies and with all the hype surrounding it, Black Panther did not disappoint.  Set in the technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda, Black Panther is exciting, entertaining, and visually fun to watch.  While I don't think it will win, it has a little something for everyone and it's cool to see such an important Blockbuster up for Best Picture.

The Favourite is the only one of the bunch I actually went to see in the theater, and though I was so excited to see it I left feeling rather disappointed and confused.  While the acting is amazing and the scenery and costumes visually stunning, the story of Queen Anne and the women who surrounded her just wasn't there for me.  Maybe I had built it up too much in my head, but I left wishing I had gone to see Vice or Green Book instead.

My pick for Best Picture?  Roma, the black and white foreign language film from Netflix and Alfonso Cuaron.  Following the story of a maid to a middle class family in Mexico City in the 1970's, it's quietly beautiful and masterfully done, making you feel like you're somehow inside the movie and part of the characters lives.  It's emotional and real and such a beautiful film.

Have you seen any good movies lately?  What's your pick for Best Picture?  We'll have to wait until Sunday to see!

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Rock of Ages

This past weekend Christian and I joined up with Mom and Dad to see Rock of Ages at the 5th.  I had seen the show years ago with Leslie, but had forgotten how fun and entertaining it actually is with all of the familiar songs and funny dialogue.  Needless to say, we were rockin' out the entire show.  Afterwards, we headed down to Queen Anne Beer Hall for some beers and and dinner.  I had only been to this place once for some snacks, but it was the perfect place to grab some yummy food {the fried chicken sandwich was delish} and give a toast to Uncle Ed.  It was a fun day in the city with some of my favorites listening to some great music and introducing them to new places.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Valentine's Day

How was your Valentine's Day?  We had a super low key evening at home, which is the absolute best in my opinion.  No crowds, no over priced menus - just sweatpants, takeout, and my sweetie.  I arrived at Christian's to a dozen red roses and the sweetest card {he's the best} and we quickly got into cozy clothes, dished up some Thai takeout, popped open some bubbles, and snuggled up on the couch with Nina to watch some Netflix.  I love that we don't have to have big nights out or huge gestures to show that we love each other and want to spend our time together - if C didn't love sitting on the couch in sweatpants then I don't know what I'd do!  We have the best time together and I couldn't ask for a better Valentine :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Uncle Ed

This past weekend we lost my great Uncle Ed and though we knew it was coming for awhile now, it nonetheless still hurts and doesn't seem right.  Uncle Ed had such a quiet, gentle presence that instantly made you feel comfortable and welcome whenever he was around.  We teased each other every time we saw each other, but whenever I saw him he was one of my most favorite people to talk to.  He was always so interested in my job and the world of research and grants, and he loved hearing about my life in the city and what was going on with me.  He made you feel special, heard, and important.  I'm so thankful that I was able to spend time with him two weeks ago, listening to memories, chatting about life, telling him I love him, and hearing him call me "my girl" one last time.  They don't make them like Uncle Ed anymore and I'm certainly better for knowing him and being loved by him all of these years.  I miss you already, Uncle Ed.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Snowed In Weekend

Here are a lot of pictures from being snowed in on Queen Anne last weekend with my faves.  We went for long snowy walks, watched kids sledding down the streets, picked up snow day essentials {donuts}, drank wine at two in the afternoon, made homemade tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, took long naps, and just enjoyed the feeling of completely relaxing.  While the snow is hopefully on it's way out, I'm glad we had that weekend to spend together and make fun memories with Nina in the snow.  Now, we're ready for spring :)

 the happiest dog ever

 best boyfriend ever

 trying to slide down the icy hill

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!  Whether you're out and about or staying in with some Thai food and champagne, I hope you're feeling happy, cozy, and loved this Valentine's Day and doing something that makes you smile :) 

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Goodbye Viaduct

A few weekends ago we gathered with tens of thousands of fellow Seattleites to say goodbye to that old Seattle landmark, the Alaskan Way Viaduct.  It had been closed already for several weeks, but before they started tearing it all down they invited the city out to walk along the roads, take pictures, and celebrate this concrete behemoth with the most gorgeous views.  We walked down from Queen Anne and arrived just as the sun was setting to masses of people walking up and down the Seneca street ramp.  It felt so strange to be up walking on this road I've driven a thousand times - taking in the views of both the water and downtown at a much slower pace than driving really made you appreciate how cool this structure really is.  We stayed about an hour, taking pictures, reminiscing, and really taking in the scene that you can't get anywhere else, and when it was time to say our final goodbyes, I was so happy we had taken the time to walk out there and really appreciate this truly unique piece of Seattle history.

xoxo,
stephanie marie