Date Night {Delancey}

Friday afternoon I got the best text from Christian, asking if I wanted to go to Delancey for dinner that night.  Heck yeah I did!  We haven't been to Delancey in awhile, and I love any excuse to have their delicious pizza in that cute and cozy restaurant.  We knew it was going to be a wait at 6pm on a Friday, so after we put our names on the list we headed down the street to Brunswick and Hunt for the last two spots at the bar and some delicious bourbon cocktails {above} - perfect for a Friday after a long week.  About an hour later our table was ready so we headed back to Delancey where we proceed to order more drinks, salad, and two pizzas {time and time again, that white pie is just sooo good}.  While it's nice to get takeout and cozy up on the couch with a bottle of wine and Nina, it's fun to get dressed up every now and then and head out on a date with my sweetie.  With the weather getting warmer and the evenings getting longer, it's finally time to come out of hibernation and enjoy all this city has to offer.  Cheers!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{my faves}

 {went to ikea and survived as a couple}

 {after shopping beers}

 {the saddest face}

 {lilac season}

 {so many snuggles}

 {sunday target trip}

{spring = lots of weeds}

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!  Even though it's felt really cold the past few days, I'm loving the sunshine and the flowers that are popping up everywhere.  This lilac tree on my walk to the bus is finally in bloom and I love stopping every morning to take in my most favorite scent in the world - lilacs, to me, are the epitome of spring.  I'm excited for a pretty quiet weekend with some sleeping in, running errands, and lots of sweatpants time.  Sounds pretty great, eh?  Have a great weekend!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday David!

Happy birthday David!  I cherish your friendship and don't know what I'd do without our daily chats, crossword competitions, GOT recaps, book/movie/restaurant recommendations, dissecting the important things {like the college admissions scandal and Kellyanne Conway's clothing} and overall knowing that we're pretty much the funniest, smartest, coolest people ever :)  Cheers to you my friend - may your day be filled with good food, good friends, and lots of celebrating you!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Chicken & Asparagus Lemon Stir Fry

Last week I had David over to watch the final season premiere of Game of Thrones {yay!} and I wanted to make something that was quick, easy, and spring-y.  I came across this recipe for Chicken & Aspargus Lemon Stir Fry on Skinnytaste {she always has the best recipes!} and when I sent it to David as a suggestion, he immediately approved.  The dinner was super easy to put together {especially with my sous chef by my side}, and served over some Trader Joe's cauliflower rice, it was the perfect spring meal to accompany our GOT viewing.

Chicken & Asparagus Lemon Stir Fry

Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs skinless boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
salt
1/2 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
2 Tblsp soy sauce
2 tsp cornstarch
2 Tblsp water
1 Tblsp vegetable or canola oil
1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 2 inch pieces
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tblsp fresh ginger, minced
2 Tblsp fresh lemon juice
black pepper

Instructions
1. Lightly season chicken with salt.
2. In small bowl, combine chicken broth and soy sauce.
3. In second small bowl, combine water and cornstarch and mix well.
4. Heat large non-stick pan or wok over medium-high heat.  Add 1 tsp oil, then asparagus and cook until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add garlic and ginger to pan and cook until golden, about 1 minute.  Remove asparagus mixture from pan.
6. Increase heat to high, then add 1 tsp oil and half of chicken to pan.  Cook until browned and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side.
7. Remove and set aside and repeat with remaining oil and chicken.  Remove from pan.
8. Add soy sauce mixture to pan and bring to boil.  Cook about 1 minute.
9. Add lemon juice and corn starch mixture and stir well.  Return chicken and asparagus to the pan and mix well.  Remove from heat and serve over rice or cauliflower rice.

Serves 4

adapted from skinnytaste

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Easter

I hope you had a happy Easter weekend!  We drove up to the valley to spend the day with the fam, and even though the traffic was horrendous {it took us 2.5 hours to get home!} it was well worth it to spend the day with my parents, grandparents, uncle, and Christian.  Mom made the most delicious dinner and though I was so full I thought I'd explode, I still was able to manage a slice of my most favorite lemon dessert.  Afterwards, it was nice enough to sit outside on the deck for a bit, soaking in the sunshine and taking in the beautiful views before some of us {and the cats} took some much needed naps.  It was a quick trip north but I was so happy to spend the day with my family - there's nothing better than relaxing and eating with those you love :)

 twins!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{so sleepy}

 {not so patiently waiting for daddy to come home}

 {sunny walks}

 {spring = yard work}

 {rooftop beers}

{pretty saturday sunset}

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy {Good} Friday

Happy Friday!  What are you up to this weekend?  This snuggly little girl and I are so excited for her daddy to finally come home after a week away, and I can't wait for some sleeping in, sunny days {fingers crossed!}, and Easter dinner with the fam.  Hope you have a great weekend!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Save Me The Plums

Last Thursday Maddie and I were lucky enough to listen to Ruth Reichl give a talk at the Fremont Abbey.  When I read months back that Ruth would be coming to Seattle to talk about her latest memoir, Save Me The Plums, I instantly knew that Maddie would be the perfect person to go with, as we share a love of books, food, and wonderful, empowering women.  We listened to Ruth chat with Nancy Leson about her childhood, her writing, and her time as the final Editor in Chief at Gourmet Magazine.  Ruth was thoughtful, eloquent, and had the most wonderful stories, and I told Maddie afterwards that all I wanted to do was put on sweatpants, curl up on the couch with a cup of tea, and listen to Ruth talk about food.  My favorite quote of hers from the night when asked about her career and why she does what she does, she answered "I genuinely believe that food is important" and I couldn't agree more.  Her memories and stories of Anthony Bourdain reminded me how he changed my perception of food and travel {and basically, the world} and I felt honored to listen to this incredible woman share her life with us for a few hours.  When the talk was over, they announced if we wanted to get our already-signed copies of the book personalized we could, and when hardly anyone took advantage of the opportunity Maddie and I rushed over to get a chance to get up close with this legend.  Though we were a bit awkward when we finally met her, I treasure the time I got to spend listening to this inspiring lady and I can't wait to devour her newest memoir.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Spring Wines

Saturday afternoon my friend Sara invited me to join her at the Charles Smith Spring Release Party for members of the winery.  We wandered around the warehouse space with hundreds of other people, trying all of our favorite wines and a few new ones {when better to taste that $70 bottle you'll never buy than at a free tasting, right?}.  The event was packed but the lines went quickly and we were able sample lots of different wines while catching up and planning our next fun adventures.  I love hanging out with Sara {and I love that she's a member at one of my favorite wineries:)} and there's nothing better than tasting wine on a rainy Saturday afternoon with a great friend.  Cheers!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Notre Dame

Here are some of my favorite pictures of my time at Notre Dame, because the fires yesterday have devastated me, like they have most people who have visited this beautiful and symbolic structure.  It seemed unreal to watch the spire falling and the building engulfed in flames, and I just hope and pray that there is something left of this treasured building.  I will never forget walking thru the cathedral with Mom while mass was going on, lighting candles and praying for loved ones while taking in the enormity of the experience - memories I will certainly cherish forever.  Paris is strong and Paris will rebuild, but man my heart hurts for one of my most favorite cities in the world.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Weekend {In Pictures}

{so happy for a car ride}

 {breakfast in bed}

 {the one lone tulip in my yard}

 {sunny walks}

 {spring time in the neighborhood}

 {spaghetti dinner}

 {lazy sunday with coffee in bed}

{the goat}

xoxo,
stephanie marie