Birthday Wishes

Would you believe me if I said that this little girl with the red accessories and slip for a dress is turning 35 today? :)  While I'm not nearly as fashionable as I was back then, I'm still hoping to dress up in my best to head to work {lame} then off to a nice quiet dinner with my sweetie.  I think 35 sounds like a good time to focus on being healthy - physically, mentally, and emotionally - and I'm setting those intentions today to put myself down a really good path.  Here's to hoping 35 is the best year yet!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Easy Italian Pasta Salad

I've already made this Easy Italian Pasta Salad twice this summer, so I think it's safe to say it's one of my new favorites :)  I whipped this up for 4th of July this year, and then once again for a very special baby shower {substituting broccoli for the salami to accommodate the pregnant ladies} and it got so many rave reviews that I'm trying to figure out when I can make it again.  This is perfect for a big potluck or gathering because it makes a ton {trust me - the bowl is super heavy!} but I've come home from both occasions with not nearly enough leftovers, making me think it's definitely a hit.  If there's something you don't like, feel free to swap it out with different meats or veggies, but with how easy and quickly this comes together definitely make sure to make it for your next bbq - you'll be thanking me :)

Easy Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients
1 lb uncooked pasta {I used rotini both times}
3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8oz fresh mozzarella cheese balls, halved
1 lb salami or summer sausage, cubed
3/4 kalamata olives, sliced
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing
1 1/2 cups olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup water
2 Tblsp coarse sea salt {if using regular salt, use less then add more if needed}
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 Tblsp sugar
2 tsp dry oregano
2 tsp dry basil
Black pepper
Fresh herbs {I used leftover parsley}

Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions.  Allow to cool slightly and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Blend all dressing ingredients, or shake in large jar until blended.
3. Toss everything together!  Use about 3/4 of the dressing, then add more to leftovers if desired.
4. Refrigerate - keeps up to 3 days {and just gets better with time}. 

adapted from pinch of yum

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Sweden {The End}

Our last night in Sweden was pretty low key.  We spent the evening at the lake house with some cocktails on the patio, chatting with Bengt and really just taking in this most beautiful view.  Sunday morning we woke up at 4:30am to a beautiful fog over the lake which made it almost worth it to wake up that early.  We headed to C's parents house where they drove us to the train station to begin our long journey home.  By the time we finally made it to the Copenhagen airport we were starving so we had a last {expensive} lunch of smørrebrød and clinked our glasses to a most wonderful trip.  I'm so thankful I got to spend these 16 days with Christian, seeing where he came from and exploring new places together.  It definitely was something I'll never forgot!  Now, when is our next vacation?? :)

this morning fog was so beautiful

a home away from home

lunch at the airport - so delicious!

the most wonderful travel partner ever :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Brother!

Happy Birthday {tomorrow} to the bestest baby brother!  I'm so lucky to have you in my life for a perfect Bitmoji, some fitting brotherly advice, a long call to discuss the state of the Hawks, and the best laughs around.  I know this year is going to be the best year yet for you, and even though you're bustin' your butt to get that house ready for it's newest tenant I hope you can take some time out to celebrate you with an ice cold beer and some birthday cake.  I love ya, Bubba!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Sweden {Tiraholms Fisk & Homemade Waffles}

We wanted to make the most of our last full day in Sweden {Saturday} so we headed out to lunch at Tiraholms Fisk, a restaurant Christian has been talking about since almost the day I met him.  We wanted to take his aunt and uncle to thank them for so graciously allowing us to stay the week in their beautiful lake house, and this little day trip did not disappoint.  To get to the restaurant on the other side of the lake, you take a very small open air "ferry" that pulls about 8 cars at a time across the lake by underwater cables - it really is pretty awesome to witness.  After the ferry ride we drove out to the property which is comprised of a restaurant, shop, fishery, and hotel and luckily we had made reservations because for being a very remote place to get to, it was hoppin' on the holiday weekend.  Christian and I started out with an appetizer of cooked eel {I definitely preferred the smoked we had earlier in the week} and for my main course I got the barbecued xander with a side of fries, which was so fresh and delicious.  After lunch we walked around the property a bit, then made our way back to our side of the lake via the pulley ferry.  We ended the afternoon at Christian's parent's house for traditional waffles and coffee with fresh jam and whipped cream {a tradition I can definitely get behind} before heading back to the lake for our final night of the trip.

 eel

pia, anders, maggie, christian, me, bjorn, and mia

the sweetest little ferry

at his childhood home

and pia's childhood home as well!

waffles and coffee

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Sweden {Midsummer Part II}

The second half of our Midsummer celebration was just as fantastic as the first.  After resting a bit we spent the evening outside walking along the water, taking pictures and playing with sweet Lettie. It started to get a little chilly so we headed inside just in time for a delicious bbq dinner of Portobello mushrooms, pork loin, pearl onions, and potatoes paired with delicious Spanish Rioja - I was so full but so happy :)  After dinner we all sat around and feasted on strawberry cake with cream and coffee while we watched the rain pouring outside - luckily it stopped just in time for us to bundle up for our midnight boat ride back to our side of the lake.  It was such a perfect day and I can't wait to celebrate many more midsummers with these lovely people :)

 bjorn bbq'ing a delicious dinner

 florence - the life sized flamingo i desperately wanted to take home

 delicious dinner of portobello mushrooms, pork loin, potatoes, pearl onions, and salad served with rioja

 dessert

 a little bit of rain before we headed back home - luckily it passed before our boat ride!

 love all the candles in the windows

 riding back at midnight and still light out

xoxo,
stephanie marie